“Some Saints fans would be more interested in an Eastleigh v Pompey derby next season than a Saints v Cherries one.”

That was the verdict delivered by a well-known Saints supporter in the wake of AFC Bournemouth’s incredible promotion to the Premier League.

Uglier Inside webzine editor Nick Illingsworth has been following Saints since the 1970s, and has never viewed Cherries as a serious rival.

Portsmouth, yes, but never the club down the other end of the M27 (and A31).

Illingsworth believes a section of the Bournemouth fanbase will now look to stoke up the rivalry ahead of next season’s Premier League derbies.

But it’s not a rivalry that Saints supporters will revel in.

Indeed, Illingsworth insists Saints fans will STILL be more interested in Pompey’s fourth division results than Bournemouth’s top tier ones.

“If Bournemouth went to Manchester United and won 1-0 next season, a lot of Saints fans would be quite happy,” he said.

“If Portsmouth went to Morecambe and won 1-0, we’d be gutted!

“That puts it all into perspective.

“In fact, I would say if Eastleigh play Pompey next season some Saints fans would be more interested in that derby than a Saints v Cherries one.

“Pompey will always be our main rivals, and that will probably annoy Bournemouth fans.

“We have never had a rivalry with Bournemouth.

“They would probably love one with us, because they have no one to hate or have a real rivalry with.

“Exeter is too far away down one coast, and they have a rivalry with Plymouth anyway.

“Up the coast the other way is Southampton, but we are too concerned with having a rivalry with Pompey.”

Illingsworth added: “I remember back in the 70s and 80s when they used to read the half-time scores out at The Dell, if Bournemouth were winning a lot of fans cheered.

“When Bournemouth had their periodic problems with money, Saints would often go down and play a friendly for almost nothing to help them raise money.

“To be honest, I’m indifferent to Bournemouth going up.

“I hope they do well, but obviously not as well as we do.

“That will probably annoy their fans, that we want them to do well.

“The last time I went to Dean Court, I was in their supporters club before the match and there were a few Cherries fans who I know.

“They were laughing, saying ‘what are you doing here?’ “That wouldn’t happen if I went to Portsmouth. I wouldn’t last ten minutes in their supporters club on a matchday!

“Talking to other Saints fans, the main concern we have about Bournemouth coming into the Premier League is that we will struggle to get a ticket for when Saints play there.”