Emotional Parker praises ‘incredible’ squad but warns of huge step up in quality

Scott Parker hailed the “incredible” character of his young Bournemouth squad before immediately warning them that they must now find a way to bridge a chasm in quality to survive next season in the Premier League.

Bournemouth’s top-flight return represents the second automatic promotion in three seasons for Parker, who took Fulham up in 2019-20 before being immediately relegated the next season.

“It’s a tough ask. The gap between the Championship and the Premier League is huge, whether that is finances or quality,” Parker said.

“I’m under no illusions that next year will be a massive challenge. That’s daunting of course. We will need to invest right and recruit right.”

Parker, though, said it was vital to savour the moment and retain a sense of perspective.

“When I was a young boy growing up in inner London, if someone had said to me, ‘You will have these opportunities’ I would have bitten their hand off,” he said.

“I am emotional of course. Pressure consumes me every day. I feel relief. I had one aim which was to get promoted. Everyone associated with the club deserves this moment.

“I’m very proud. I’ll have a couple of beers soon and relax. This squad is incredible. I don’t think I’ll manage a better group of players.”

Bournemouth had been boosted before kick-off by the announcement that David Brooks, their midfielder, was now free of cancer after being diagnosed with Stage 2 Hodgkin

lymphoma in October. “The club was rocked when we got the news, it put things in perspective,” said Parker.

“But the news we got today was incredible. Only over the last 10 days or two weeks has he been around.

“He was getting his treatment before and fighting a vicious illness that we know is deadly. He has been around the group, the squad, and he is here tonight.”