Brentford winger Jaidon Anthony is set to watch his former club Bournemouth make their European debut as they prepare to face Spanish side Real Sociedad in the Europa League on Thursday. The match marks the first time Bournemouth, also known as the Cherries, will compete in a European competition.

Anthony, 26, played an important role during his time at Bournemouth, scoring ten goals in 83 league appearances. He was part of the squad that secured promotion to the Premier League in 2022 before transferring to Burnley and subsequently joining Brentford. Following his recent return to Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium with Brentford, where the match ended in a 2-2 draw, Anthony expressed strong support for his former team.

“I will definitely be watching on Thursday night because I’m a fan from afar now,” Anthony said. “To see them in Europe is exciting for everyone involved. I’ll definitely be hoping the guys get the win.” He also praised the club’s ongoing development, noting the continuity in staff and success the team has achieved in recent years.

Anthony highlighted Bournemouth’s reputation for smart recruitment and effective coaching, pointing out that their achievements demonstrate what smaller clubs can accomplish with the right people and resources. He acknowledged Bournemouth as still the smallest club in the Premier League, yet one able to compete at a high level through careful planning and strong execution.

Bournemouth’s entry into European competition is considered a significant milestone in the club’s history, reflecting steady progress since their promotion. The upcoming match against Real Sociedad will test their ability to perform on a larger continental stage. Anthony’s endorsement underscores the optimism within the Bournemouth community as the team embarks on this new challenge.