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Rival Reds or Friendly Neighbours: Southampton and Bournemouth’s Close Contingency

By Christian Bird

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JULY 30: Graziano Pelle of Southampton (L) congratulates Dusan Tadic of Southampton (R) after he scores from a penalty to make it 2-0 during the UEFA Europa League Third Qualifying Round 1st Leg match between Southampton and Vitesse at St Mary's Stadium on July 30, 2015 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JULY 30: Graziano Pelle of Southampton (L) congratulates Dusan Tadic of Southampton (R) after he scores from a penalty to make it 2-0 during the UEFA Europa League Third Qualifying Round 1st Leg match between Southampton and Vitesse at St Mary's Stadium on July 30, 2015 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images) /
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When Southampton’s seaside neighbours Bournemouth come to visit them in the Premier League, there is almost a respect like you would have for your neighbour, totally different to just down the road along the M27.

There has been a mutual respect from both these sides for quite some time, and now they are virtually neck and neck in the league, it has grown significantly into a derby in which both sides respect one another.

It was only a few years ago that they were equally poised in League 1 before Southampton gained promotion, and then Bournemouth in the season to follow. With this now seeming like a decade ago, Brighton and possibly Reading have now come to join the party.

How do these teams respect each other?

Both teams enjoy having a rest while traveling less than an hour into the away territory, however, with the points up for grabs, these games are still toughly fought battles. But it is the Saints who have really grown to respect their opponents.

AFC Bournemouth entered the Premier League as complete underdogs and almost everybody, including myself, had written them off. Now though, AFC Bournemouth are in a strict vein of form and look to be finishing the season on a high, potentially as high as 8th place in the league.

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The Saints won’t want to finish below their counterparts, but it certainly is a real possibility with only a few games left of the season. Southampton recorded their highest ever finish in the modern day top flight last season under Ronald Koeman, who’s side ended up sixth place.

Manchester United did Southampton a favour by beating Bournemouth on the last day of the season, booking the Saint’s place in the Europa League qualifying rounds, while the Cherries completed the season in 16th and just secured survival.

Perhaps then if a Bournemouth player was to join Southampton, or a player took the alternative route, it would not be frowned upon? Unlikely still.