Had Bournemouth's story been played out as a Hollywood movie, many viewers would have accused the writers of being too far fetched.
In 2009 it seemed that the Cherries would drop out of the Football League when they were handed a 17-point deduction, but they defied the odds to survive, before going on to become a promotion-winning machine.
Last season's title-winning exploits in the Championship were certainly impressive as they scored more goals (98) than any other side, while they also lost the fewest matches (eight).
However, the Premier League is a completely different animal. Will they be able to continue their rapid progression? Here, Sports Mole looks ahead to their 2015-16 campaign in the top flight.
In
Artur Boruc (Southampton), Adam Federici (Reading), Joshua King (Blackburn Rovers), Christian Atsu (Chelsea, season-long loan), Tyrone Mings (Ipswich Town), Sylvain Distin (Everton), Max Gradel (Saint-Etienne), Lee Tomlin (Middlesbrough)
Out
Ian Harte (Released), Josh McQuoid (Released), Darryl Flavahan (Released), Mohamed Coulibaly (Released), Joe Partington (Released), Miles Addison (Released), Ryan Fraser (Ipswich Town, season-long loan), Brett Pitman (Ipswich Town), Jayden Stockley (Portsmouth, season-long loan)
Last season - 1st, Championship
Manager - Eddie Howe
Speaking exclusively to Sports Mole recently, David James backed Howe to one day manage England, such is the regard that he is held in by the former Bournemouth and Three Lions goalkeeper. But what makes the 37-year-old so impressive? The club were languishing in the lower half of League One when he returned to Dean Court following a stint with Burnley, yet an 18-match unbeaten run and promotion soon followed.
Winning is one thing, but it's the style in which Howe's men have played that have earned them the plaudits. The full-backs push forward, the wingers and central midfield players are encouraged to get into the box and score goals, while the forwards tend to have pace to burn. Coming up against such established clubs in the Premier League, some managers could be forgiven for drawing back into their shells to tighten things up, but Howe has insisted that his players will continue to play in the same possession-dominating manner.
Key Player - Matt Ritchie
The winger had a brief taste of the Premier League with Portsmouth six seasons ago, but he is much better equipped to make an assault on the top division this time around. Having joined Bournemouth from Swindon Town in January 2013, Ritchie went on to score a respectable 12 goals in the next 18 months.
Yet, his contribution improved tenfold last term as he not only weighed in with 15 goals to be the club's second leading goalscorer behind Callum Wilson, but he also weighed in with 17 assists - the most in the Championship. Such form was recognised at international level by Scotland boss Gordon Strachan. Now, Ritchie faces his biggest task yet, but having taken to the others like a duck to water, the 25-year-old will be confident of repeating that trick.
© Getty Images
Possible starting lineup
Boruc; Mings, Cook, Elphick, Francis; Pugh, Arter, Surman, Ritchie; Wilson, King
First game: Aston Villa (H), Full fixture list
Sports Mole says
This season could go either way for Bournemouth. They will be hoping to follow the Swansea City model, with the Welsh side having established themselves as a Premier League club since their arrival in 2011 by playing good football. On the flip side we have Blackpool, who during the 2010-11 campaign entertained the nation - they even scored as many goals as fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur - but Ian Holloway's men were relegated on the final day.
With the greatest of respect to Holloway, you would expect Howe to be more tactically astute. While there is no need for him to abandon his attacking philosophy completely, there will need to be some onus on his side having a defensive solidity. After all, from winning positions last term, Bournemouth surrendered 28 points. The signing of the experienced Sylvain Distin would indicate that Howe is aware of that, with Tyrone Mings having also added some physicality in defence. It will be tight, but Howe's men could well have enough to retain their status.
