Pull Together, Win Together (July 09)
February 2, 2010 by admin
Filed under AFCB - News Archive 07-09
- 29th July 2009
Last season and the close season provided an all too familiar experience for AFC Bournemouth. Financial problems, broken promises, the threat of relegation, accusations of business mismanagement – and of course yet more takeover shenanigans.
Many people in football were expecting AFCB to fail – and possibly fail permanently.
They didn’t. A mix of gritty determination, some outstanding results at the end of the season and a slide in the fortune of other clubs mean that the Cherries are still members of the Football League. What’s more, there seems to be almost universal relief that the tenure of Sport 6 has ended, and in particular that former Chief Executive and co-owner Alastair Saverimutto finally stopped making promises of ‘delivery’ and took his last substantial pay packet and headed away from Dean Court.
Of course, this being football and in particular AFCB, the takeover was not without accusations and criticisms. The return of Jeff Mostyn and Steve Sly, this time partnering well known local figures Adam Murry and Eddie Mitchell (together with Mitchell’s son-in-law, Neil Blake), resulted in some strong reactions from some quarters. The flames were fanned further by a statement from David Musker and Derek Timoney, both of whom have held senior positions as official supporter representatives, and who had been tasked by the then owner Paul Baker with assisting the takeover process.
Their publicly stated view that Baker had not done the right thing by the club was seized on by some fans as further evidence of ‘dodgy dealing’ at the club. Perhaps his decision was influenced by something far simpler – that the other potential new owner was not willing to commit fast enough to alleviate the pressure Baker was under, both on a day to day trading basis and also with the Football League. You can’t blame them for not dipping heavily into their pockets immediately or for wishing to move at a slower, more diligent pace. Derek Timoney said that “these discussions were still at a relatively early stage” and on the other side, Baker had a group that was prepared to seal the deal then and there. Having admitted that he was desperate to sell as quickly as possible, had no more money to put in and was about to step on a plane to meet with the FL, it can easily be imagined why he would grab the immediate solution.
I have personally spoken with Derek Timoney at some length since the joint statement was released. I know that he and David worked extensively on attempting to ensure that this other offer came to a successful conclusion and I also know that Derek and David acknowledge that in matters of offers for football clubs there is no guarantee that a deal will be concluded. Having expressed their disappointment, they are looking to do everything they can to support the club – and are also very much of the same mind as many fans – that we have to move on and do everything possible now to ensure that the club has a solid future.
So we have what we have – an ongoing challenge on several fronts including dealing with creditors, a current transfer embargo, the continuing ownership of the stadium by Structadene etc. These issues have not gone away – but there is evidence of progress and a much more realistic approach to them. When we asked for an update recently, we were informed that a very significant percentage (possibly around half) had been paid to HMRC regarding the legacy debt left by Sport 6 and that they had met their further obligations since taking over..Whilst we cannot absolutely confirm this, the fact that HMRC agreed to a 12 week adjournment seems to suggest that progress has indeed been made in the eyes of the tax man.
We do also have it on very good authority from more than one source that wages are up to date and that agreements have been made in principle as regards other football related debts, including payments to the two ex-managers owed money from the previous regime. And we have confirmed with other notable creditors that agreements have been entered into and payments made
The Fan’s Forum Update
We have been informed that the directors have today decided not to have any board members present at the BBC Solent Fan’s Forum.
Following that information, we asked the board for further clarity in terms of the current situation.
What we have been told is that costs have been slashed in a number of areas that do not impact upon the on the pitch activities – elements such as transport and printing costs. They also strongly believe that taking the catering back in-house will add to the profitability of the club.
In making the announcement about the Fan’s Forum, they wanted to stress their acknowledgment that they are not in a position to claim that they have materially resolved the issues they faced on takeover. They were honest about this, stating that they did not want to raise expectations unnecessarily high at this stage. They felt it would be premature to discuss matters in an open debate and possibly unhelpful given the stage they have reached with all the important parties involved, but said that they will continue to improve the position of the club on all fronts and that they will happily meet fans as soon as they are in a position to ensure that the exercise is a truly beneficial one.
These are still early days, but evidence of inroads made and what appears to be a healthy dose of austerity and realism seem to be a welcome improvement on the pie in the sky claims and big executive packages that were present last season.
The Transfer Embargo
They were also keen to give their own position regarding the speculation about the transfer embargo, stating that they had responded to all demands for information from the Football League regarding actions the new board have taken, sending all the relevant documents by recorded delivery. They are expecting further requests for clarification when the FL hold their next meeting, just prior to the start of the season. No further progress can take place until after the meeting is held. We have confirmed that this is the situation
For the record, the Forum is going ahead, with Eddie Howe, Jason Tindall, Steve Fletcher and Danny Hollands representing the club’s coaching and playing staff. It is due to be held at Dean Court on Tuesday 4th August.
Determination and Common Goals
There does seem to be a strong, palpable feeling of determination coming from the club – a much greater will to win and to overcome the odds stacked against the club for so long.. It emanates from the management team and the players. It is certainly being vaunted by the directors – and fans that have been contacting Buzz are also expressing their relief that some of the most critical threats have been relieved (not resolved) approaching the new season and saying how much they want to get behind the club.
If the fans and the players contribute in the way they did at the end of last season, and the board work hard and stick to their declaration that they will be careful not to incur needless losses and will not be taking large sums out of the club, then the common goal of stabilising the club and pushing for promotion is beginning to look achievable. It’s still a big challenge, a fact conceded by everyone involved and luck inevitably plays a big part in how things pan out but a solid injection of unity, honesty, passion and commitment will make a huge difference.
Let’s do every thing we can to ensure that 2009 / 2010 is a season to remember for all the right reasons.
Up the Cherries!
