DOUBLE centurion Wade Elliott has today revealed that he feared his Cherries career could have been over after just two games.

Elliott will carve his name in the Dean Court hall of fame when he steps out to make his 200th league appearance against Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday.

The 26-year-old will become one of only 30 players in the club's history to reach the landmark and will join an elite band headed by current manager Sean O'Driscoll.

But it could have been a different story for Elliott, who was signed by former boss Mel Machin for an initial fee of £5,000 from Bashley almost five years ago.

Just three days after making his debut as a sub at Reading, Elliott was unceremoniously hauled off by Machin during a Division Two clash against 10-man Cardiff at Ninian Park.

The winger, who had gone on as a half-time replacement for James Hayter, lasted just 35 minutes before he received the curly finger from an irate Machin.

Elliott, speaking exclusively to the Daily Echo last night, said: "I had just come out of non-league and was trying to make my way in the game and trying to forge a career for myself. I was still at university and was splitting my time between Bournemouth and Goldsmiths where I was studying part-time.

"I remember getting yanked off at Cardiff with about 10 minutes to go and it crossed my mind that I might be back at university full-time by the start of the following week.

"Cardiff is a hostile place to go at the best of times and even more so when you've been put on and then subbed. I was distraught about it at the time and felt a bit lost.

"I went back to the bench and the other subs were looking at me and trying to say things to make me feel better. It didn't really help at the time, but I was appreciative that the rest of the lads were looking out for me.

"I was worried the manager had seen enough and that I might not get another chance. But, fortunately, we snatched the game quite late on so Mel was in a slightly better mood and he didn't hold anything against me."

Elliott went on to cap a remarkable first full season in the pro ranks when he was named supporters' player of the year after Jermain Defoe-inspired Cherries had just missed out on a place in the play-offs.

A firm favourite with Cherries fans, the Southampton-born ace has captivated the Dean Court faithful with his dazzling old fashioned wing play and has played a key role in the club's promotion push this season.

Elliott, discussing his ups and downs, said: "Relegation was the biggest disappointment of my time at the club and the way last season fizzled out for me was also a big disappointment.

"But I've been fortunate in my time because we've had more ups than downs. The play-off final was a memorable occasion and so was playing at Blackburn in the Carling Cup this season. I was also lucky enough to make my debut in a friendly against Liverpool and I've played against four of the biggest clubs in the country - Liverpool, Tottenham, Manchester United and Southampton!"

Saints fan Elliott added: "I'm delighted to have made as many appearances as I have and if I get the chance to play against Sheffield Wednesday, it will be an honour and very gratifying to join the group of players who have played 200 league games."