SOUTH coast derbies will return to the Premier League next season as AFC Bournemouth effectively clinched promotion to the top flight for the first time in their 116-year history earlier tonight.

While Hampshire rivals Portsmouth look on from League Two, it will be Saints against the Cherries next term after the Dorset side cruised past 10-man Bolton 3-0 in front of a disbelieving Dean Court.

And Saints past and present played their part, with loanee Artur Boruc keeping a clean sheet and ex-Saint Andrew Surman playing the full 90 minutes.

Eddie Howe’s men were cut adrift at the foot of the Football League in 2009 but only a virtually impossible swing in goal difference on the final day would deny the Dorset-born manager from clinching the third promotion of his managerial career with the Cherries.

A thumping finish from midfielder Marc Pugh set them on course for the promised land before winger Matt Ritchie's snapshot gave them a comfortable cushion at the break.

Dorian Dervite saw red for a foul on Callum Wilson, who then added the gloss to the most famous night in the club’s history in the 79th minute to spark wild scenes on the south coast.

Bournemouth captain Tommy Elphick hailed an ‘unbelievable achievement’ after his side moved to the very brink of promotion and kept their hopes of winning the Championship alive.

The 3-0 victory means that, barring that massive goal difference swing against them on Saturday, Bournemouth have earned promotion to the top flight – a remarkable turnaround for the club.

Asked if the job was done, captain Elphick had a broad smile as he told Sky Sports: “Nearly, nearly. It’s an unbelievable achievement.

“We’ve just had a few minutes to get together with everyone, the whole staff. It’s unbelievable for everyone.

“What can you say about the manager? And the lads, they’ve performed so well week in, week out, it’s an unbelievable achievement and something we’ll never forget.’’ Bournemouth sit one point behind leaders Watford going into the final day of the season, when Bournemouth head to Charlton and Watford host Sheffield Wednesday.

“We’ve got to be professional for one more game and see the season out,’’ Elphick added. “The title is still up for grabs and the pressure is on Watford against Sheffield Wednesday. They came down here and made it hard for us, so hopefully they can do the same to them and we can get three points. You never know and it would be nice to lift the trophy.’’ Manager Eddie Howe was quick to spread credit for the success around the club.

“I am an eternal pessimist and we still have a game to play, but... It’s been incredible, it really has,’’ he said.

“This club was heading nowhere, out of business, and it’s been such a short turnaround. A lot of people have put hard work in, the fans have put their hands in their pockets.

“You don’t achieve anything on your own. It’s taken a monumental effort from the players and the management team. This is a joint achievement.

“I can’t even think about the Premier League. I want to savour this.’’ Howe added: “The title still matters, we’d love to win it.’’ Former Cherries boss Harry Redknapp joked that Eddie Howe should be the “Lord Mayor of Bournemouth’’, after the achievement.

“Eddie deserves to be the Lord Mayor or something,’’ said Redknapp.

“It’s fantastic, thoroughly deserved. They’ve been amazing all year and the football they produced tonight they have produced all year.

“It’s a pleasure to come and watch them.’’