Written by kirsikka
Preview
Jamie Day signed for AFC Bournemouth from Arsenal for a reported fee of £20,000 in March 1999. This was a time when the club spending any money at all on a player was a sign of how highly we rated them.
A talented midfielder, he never quite made the full breakthrough we hoped from him but he did still contribute to our chases for a third-tier playoff place during his stay.
When he arrived Mel Machin was the still manager and the club finished that season one place outside the playoff places, missing out on goal difference after a 0-0 draw against Wrexham on the last day of the season.
The next season the club struggled in comparison finishing a disappointing 16th and Mel moved upstairs to a Director of Football role to be replaced by Sean O’Driscoll for the 2000/01 season. We then contrived to again finish in seventh place, this time missing out on the playoffs by two points after that infamous 3-3 draw away to Reading.
During his time at the club, Jamie made 20 appearances and scored one goal.
After leaving the Cherries he played non-league football before embarking on a coaching and managerial career that has seen him in roles at a number of different clubs before landing his current position.
=== Pre AFCB ===
How did you end up on the youth books at Arsenal?
“I got spotted by Arsenal playing for my Sunday team at under 9 and from there went training once a week at Highbury.
You were there when the Wenger revolution took place. What was that like to witness?
“I think Wenger changed the whole football club and made it the club it is now. He has different training methods on and off the pitch which benefited the whole club.
Your Wikipedia page says you were named on the bench for one match. However, the online records of subs from back then are patchy in places so despite going through the Arsenal line ups of all two seasons of fixtures I couldn’t find your name listed. Who was it against and did you get close to coming on at any stage?
“I was sub against Crystal Palace at Highbury. We won 1 nil and was a fantastic experience.
What was Wenger like with the younger players?
“I think the young players found it tough to break into the first team with Arsene and younger lads chances was limited but we could all see the progression the club was taking.
=== SIGNING ===
Was it a shock when Arsenal accepted a bid from AFC Bournemouth?
“No. I knew I wanted to leave Arsenal as I wasn’t going to get a chance in the first team so was excited when Bournemouth made the offer.
What made you choose us ahead of any other options?
“Bournemouth was the first club to make an official offer. There had been chances to go on loan but I felt I needed a change. I watched the match v Fulham and enjoyed the atmosphere and the club and decided from there to sign. Richard Hughes was also at Arsenal and he rang to say how good the club and area was and to really consider it.
The club had well-publicised financial issues in the years before you joined. How did they reassure you that those days were behind us?
“I didn’t really know about the issues before I joined. I just knew they were in the playoffs at the time and had a good record of signing young players and playing them which appealed to me.
=== PLAYING / PLAYERS ===
At the time we were a community-owned club. Did that supporter ownership have any impact or recognition in the dressing room?
“No, the staff was in full control in the dressing room and training ground.
How did it feel to finally get onto a professional pitch and make your debut?
“I really enjoyed my debut was Northampton away. I was pleased with my performance but we lost which was a disappointment.
Do you have any video footage of the goal you scored for us? If so, do you ever watch it back?
“I remember the goal was from a corner against Cambridge. Unfortunately, I don’t have any footage.
What was your single favourite piece of play from you in an AFC Bournemouth shirt? Don’t be modest, tell it as you saw it!
“My favourite game/performance for Bournemouth was against Notts County in the cup away from home. We drew but personally was the best game I played for the club.
Do you have any regrets about your time at the club? Is there anything you feel you could have done differently to have changed the end result?
“Yes, I have a few regrets. I didn’t work hard enough whilst there to play more games and become a regular in the team. I was too lazy and didn’t push myself when I needed to.
You reportedly shared digs with Jason Tindall when you were with us. What was his worst habit?
“I got on very well with Jason he was in the digs around the corner from me so we did spend a lot of time together and he helped me settle in at the club.
It’s a pretty standard response for players to say they hold an ex-club in their affections and their results are always one of the first they check. Be honest though, do you really still feel a connection to the club?
“I still speak to some of the staff and they helped me with loans so I feel there is still a connection with the club.
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