The loss of a local hero

10-Dec-2025 08:52:20 | Yahoo Sports

With English football now routinely importing players from around the world rather than the British Isles or even just the local area, fans like nothing better than a successful home-produced player, especially if they were born and raised locally, proudly chanting "he's one of our own" whenever possible. Tuesday's announcement of the death of former Bournemouth goalkeeper David Best at the age of 82 leaves the Cherries' older supporters mourning a fondly remembered local hero. Born in nearby Wareham, Best joined Bournemouth & Boscombe Athletic (as they were then) in 1960 and soon displaced experienced Republic of Ireland international Tommy Godwin between the posts, despite being only 17.