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First home European game 'amazing for the club and fans' - Smith
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- First home European game 'amazing for the club and fans' - Smith
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Bournemouth captain Adam Smith says he "would have never believed" he would be leading the side out for a European home game when he first joined the club 16 years ago.
Smith, now 35, initially joined on loan from Tottenham for the 2010-11 season, just after the Cherries had been promoted from League Two.
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He then returned on a permanent basis in January 2014 with the club in the Championship and has been part of their journey ever since.
"When I first joined I ever expected to be playing in Europe, or finishing in the top six like we did last season, and performing at this level. I would never have believed it," Smith told a news conference before Bournemouth host Sturm Graz on Thursday.
There is the potential for the highest attendance at Vitality Stadium since it was reconfigured in 2001, with the filled-in north-west and south-east corner sections now complete and available for use.
Because of Uefa's long-standing ban on stadium sponsor names, it will officially be Bournemouth Stadium for the evening, even if many of the home fans still call it Dean Court.
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Smith described the ground when he arrived, which had only recently acquired a fourth stand, as "not great" and praised the supporters who have been along for the ride.
"For the club and the fans, it's amazing. As a player, obviously it's great to play in, but it's just another game for me and the lads," he added.
"The fans will be there with us, supporting us. Especially after a difficult weekend, we are going to need them. It's up to us to bring the performance and the atmosphere on the night.
"There's more fans in the stadium and it's a big night for the club. I'm sure it can bring a little bit more atmosphere. "
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