AFC Bournemouth
The club have been saddened to hear of the passing of three former players, and would like to pass on our condolences to the families.
Rodney Taylor 1946-2017
Former Cherries full-back Rodney Taylor passed away in mid-September following a battle with a brain tumour.
A versatile left-half, Taylor had started out with Portsmouth under Freddie Cox, reuniting with his manager at Bournemouth in February 1966. Taylor made 30 appearances for the club before joining Poole Town 18 months later. Working in the building trade after his playing days came to an end, Taylor was instrumental in the improvement works with the Dolphins that allowed the club to improve their ground and ensure the promotions they had earned on the pitch in recent years could be ratified.
Len Gaynor 1925 – 2017
One of the Cherries’ oldest surviving players, Len Gaynor passed away in late September, four days after his 92nd birthday.
Gaynor was signed for the club under Jack Bruton in June 1951, the inside-forward going on to score 12 goals in 51 league games for Bournemouth ahead of moving to Southampton in 1954.
Dennis Bushby 1933 – 2017
Right-half Dennis Bushby made his League debut for the Cherries in the 1-1 draw with Watford in December 1956 and made six Third Division (South) appearances before moving to Peterborough United in 1959.
Later playing for Poole Town, Cowes, Parley Sports, Christchurch and Ringwood, Bushby worked as a self-employed electrician once he retired from playing. Bushby passed away in early October.
