Eddie Mitchell- Hero or Villain?

It cannot be denied that when Eddie Mitchell took over control of AFC Bournemouth in June 2009 the club was on its knees. Admittedly, in the face of extreme adversity rookie manager Eddie Howe had led an unbelievable campaign on the pitch which saw of the threat of relegation for the Conference for the first time. However, off the pitch the club's finances were still in a mess and the long-term future of the club was still in question.

Sitting here in May 2013, after Bournemouth achieved promotion to the Championship for the first time since 1987, it's fair to say the club has never looked back. Since taking over, Eddie Mitchell has been the face of much controversy, but his four seasons at AFC Bournemouth have seen two promotions, one play-off campaign and one mid-table finish- could any, even the most optimistic Bournemouth fan have predicted that back in the summer of 2009?

Survival in 2008-9 was only the beginning

Of course, it has not always been rosy for Mitchell as Bournemouth chairman. Many believe his intrusion into the dressing room during an FA Cup defeat to Notts County in 2010 was a major factor in Eddie Howe's decision to take up the managerial post at Championship team Burnley. This began a downward spiral, as a terrible start to the next season (2011-2012) under Lee Bradbury saw Mitchell take to the pitch in a drunken state in an embarrassing affair after yet another home defeat. The club seemed in turmoil at this point, with relegation looking a real threat after many star players had been sold. Mitchell's often poor press relations, such as telling fans "If you don't like it, go and support Southampton" often created significant negative publicity for a club that once praised for it's family and community driven attitude.

Mitchell took over in June 2009

However, halfway through the 2011-2012 wealthy Russian benefactor Maxim Demin took up co-ownership of the club alongside Mitchell. Demin's money has since allowed the club to build up a quality squad and bring back Eddie Howe from Burnley, resulting in promotion to the Championship in last month. Admittedly, without Demin's investment none of the recent success would have been possible and the club would likely be languishing in League One after another mid-table finish, but Mitchell's role in bringing Demin to the club should not be undervalued. The hiring of Paul Groves to begin this season was a tragic mistake, especially as his record as caretaker manager was atrocious, but Eddie Mitchell ate a large slice of humble pie and made the best decision in Bournemouth's recent history to bring back Eddie Howe. In truth, without Demin there would be no promotion, but without Mitchell, there would be no Demin. One can question Eddie Mitchell's character, but convincing Howe to return was a determined and admirable move.

Howe took over for his second spell in charge in October, 2012

Though t's not just on the pitch that AFC Bournemouth has transformed in the past four years. As I had moved to Canada in February 2008, the first time I returned to Dean Court since moving was in August of 2010. To me, Dean Court seemed almost an entirely different place. The ground was smarter, more professional and suddenly (in my opinion), felt like a growing football club. Many football grounds, especially in the lower leagues feel very bleak, but Dean Court feels like an exciting, dynamic place to be. Some many disagree, but even factors such as the signs and advertisements outside the stands can alter the look and feel of the whole stadium. Dean Court (especially when the fourth stand is built) is a ground that Bournemouth fans can be proud of. Wisely, unlike other clubs with rich backers who simply spend everything on the playing stuff, the club is intelligently spending money on the infrastructure. Moves such as expanding the club shop, open a cafe and improving the club's corporate methods build useful new revenue schemes for the club that even if the backing disappears, will still be in place for the club's usage. In addition, building a new stand and training complex simply makes the club more attractive to any potential signings. Portsmouth provide a good example of how not to spend money; Of course, we can only dream of the FA Cup and the Premier League, but had they invested wisely they may have a new stadium and still be playing in the Premier League. If Demin decides to pull out, the club would have to naturally sell players and cut costs, but all the infrastructure would still be in place.

The new training complex is only part of the club's ambitions

So while AFC Bournemouth is currently operating at unsustainable costs, Eddie Mitchell has clearly had a extremely positive effect overall. I often hear fans of other club's stating: "it will all end in tears". But I question that; We're moved up a division, our fan base is growing, the stadium is growing and every aspect of the club is improving at the moment. Establishing ourselves in the Championship could help Bournemouth reach it's potential. It's easy to forget that the South East Dorset conurbation has a population of around 400,000 people- Brighton (who have the highest crowds in the Championship with an average of 30,000), have a local region population only 60,000 bigger than that. It's important that the club stabilizes and looks to consolidate in the Championship, but Eddie Mitchell has helped lay the foundations for what looks to be a very bright future at Dean Court. Love him or loathe him, I don't think many Bournemouth fans can question the progress that has been made. 

Jonathan Meades

Jonathan "Jon" Meades signed for AFC Bournemouth from Cardiff City in the summer of 2012, following a successful trial period at the club. However, Meades hasn't made a competitive appearance for Bournemouth this season, spending the entire season on loan at AFC Wimbledon, joining ex-Cherry Warren Cummings at the League Two team. Dons fans Alice was kind enough to answer a few questions for me on the Bournemouth loanee:

Meades during a pre-season friendly

Firstly, could you introduce yourself briefly?

Of course, I'm Alice, a lifelong Wimbledon fan luckily (or unfortunately) born into a Wimbledon supporting family. From the Premier League to administration, re-birth in the Combined Counties to the Football League in 9 years - I've seen it all. Currently studying Journalism at the University of Westminster. 

Despite being our player, most Bournemouth fans have never seen him play. Was he a regular for you this season?

"Jonathan Meades; AFC Wimbledon Young Player of the Year" says it all. When he signed on loan in October his first game was a 3-0 loss at Exeter and he looked like just another average young loanee. But we soon saw his potential, he played week in week out as we fought hard to stay in the football league. Whilst out injured for 2 (I think) games we saw a massive void; and ironically lost both. And no-one can fault his one and only goal vs league Champions Gillingham. 

Most Bournemouth fans know him has a left back. Has he only played there or has he filled various positions over the season?

Meades is a player you can build a squad around. We signed him as left back cover and but the boy has more positions than kamasutra, towards the end of the season he was our midfield wingman. He could fill any position you wanted him too and he sure wouldn't let you down, well we didn't see him in goal but I'm sure he could do that too! 

Jonathan has not played too much football outside of League Two. Do you think he's capable of playing at a higher level?

He stood out in League Two. Not only because our team was fighting at the bottom, but because of his pure class. He is a step above the rest and I don't doubt he could do a job higher up. Billy Knott who came on as a substitute for Sunderland today (Sunday) vs Spurs was also a loanee at Wimbledon who won Young Player of the Year like Jon - which says a lot about the young players we rate highly.

Lastly, there has been speculation regarding his future. With it looking unlikely he will stay at Dean Court, can you see him returning to AFC Wimbledon next year?

I know Neal Ardley will offer Meades a deal, there is no doubt. But it looks unlikely he will take our offer, he said at the end of last season we were a "possible option". There have been rumours that Portsmouth and Oxford have offered him terms and Ardley spoke this week saying he (Meades) had received and "unbelievable offer". John Sullivan, a keeper we had on loan this season also turned down our offer to sign for Portsmouth, so it is clear they will be a huge driving force this season. After all, we are the small fish in a big pond nowadays!

Every Wimbledon fan would join me in wishing Jon well wherever he plays next season, he has fantastic talent and played a huge part in keeping us in the Football League. He always gave a hundred percent and will always be held in high regard by all Dons fans.

Meades helped AFC Wimbledon escape relegation to the Conference this season

-----------------------------------------------

Thank you Alice for answering the questions, I think most Bournemouth fans will have learned more about our own player from reading this than they gathered over the whole season! Jon has evidently had a successful season and it's shame we'll likely not see him play at Dean Court. You can follow Alice on twitter - @afcw_alice

AFC Bournemouth Summer Strengthening

With Bournemouth's promotion to the Npower Championship for the 2013/2014 season, it's no doubt that boss Eddie Howe will be busy planning how to build a team capable of holding their own next season. Although the Cherries finished second in League One this term, they were arguably the most technically proficient and skilful team in the league. While undoubtedly the quality of football in the Championship is higher, teams also cannot rely on purely being based on physicality, a la Sheffield United. To ensure survival (and maybe more) Howe will know that he must make a few quality additions to his team for next year to build on the promising group already at Dean Court.

It's fair to say that the nucleus of the Bournemouth team is likely good enough for the step up, making this summer more about fine tuning rather than whole sale changes. In goal the team are settled, with Ryan Allsop making the number one shirt his own towards the end of the season, while Shwan Jalal and/ or Darryl Flahavan will back up the young stopper. Yes, Allsop is inexperienced but he was calmness personified during the run-in, making a few brilliant saves too, so we can feel comfortable with the twenty year old donning the gloves next season.

However, the same cannot be said for defence. In Simon Francis, Tommy Elphick, Steve Cook and Charlie Daniels we have four quality defenders that are reliable and trustworthy. But the depth at full-back is non-existent, and only Stephane Zubar and Miles Addison provide cover for central defence. I have my doubts over whether Zubar and Addison are good enough for the next level, and would not be surprised to see at least one of them depart. Our lack of depth in defence was worryingly exposed in February and March when injuries to Daniels and Elphick resulted in a five match losing run that almost derailed the season. After Daniels returned against Oldham, and Elphick against Colchester, Bournemouth won 7 matches in a row, only letting in five goals during that span. Not many possible additions have been linked with a move, but a couple of weeks ago there were whispers of Tranmere left-back Zoumana Bakayogo making the move south this summer.

Could 'Zoom' be playing in red next season?

Moving on to the engine of the team, the midfield is extremely unbalanced, a lasting mark of the Paul Groves era. The number of wingers at the club is incredible (I count six) and there is no need for such a high amount to remain. Marc Pugh, Matt Ritchie and Ryan Fraser are all certain to stay at the club- barring any stupendous offers- leaving Josh McQuoid, Wes Fogden and Donal McDermott as the 3 in limbo. Ritchie and Pugh combined for a total of 11 goals and 13 assists, while the latter three's total amounts to 8 goals and 7 assists. Personally, I would let McQuoid and McDermott leave as both need regular first team football, but keep Fogden for his unbeatable work ethic. There are some exciting wingers available, such as Alan Judge and Febian Brandy, but will Eddie feel the need to strengthen this position? In the central midfield Shaun Macdonald, Harry Arter and Eunan O'Kane all had fabulous seasons, and while their overall contribution cannot be accounted for, the trio produced 13 goals and 12 assists, despite all suffering injuries at some point this season. Richard Hughes provides top-level experience, but I'm doubtful he will play a huge role on the pitch next season. This means we could likely do with one quality addition here, Simon Ferry and Marlon Pack are noticeable names on the market, but I think we could do with an energetic, determined ball-winner coming in. Undoubtedly next season we'll have to put on a few 'backs to the wall' performances, hence why a player of this sort could make a difference.

A better version of Marvin Bartley would help

Lastly the Bournemouth front line, is possibly the area of the team that needs strengthening the most. Pitman's quality cannot be denied and he is a lock to be starting the first game of the season, leaving one spot (depending on the formation) up for grabs. Lewis Grabban was fantastic this season, he contributed 13 goals and 8 assists, but his constant running and ability to split defences provided a different element to the Cherries' attack this season. While Lewis certainly deserves his chance next season, I believe that quality competition is certainly needed if only at least to challenge him and Brett. Unfortunately, I do not think Matt Tubbs is good enough and would be better off getting first team football elsewhere, because he's good enough to start at other clubs. The situation with Frank Demouge is a mystery, but perhaps his form on loan at Roda JC will convince Eddie to give him a second chance, while we'll hopefully never see Wes Thomas in a Bournemouth shirt again. Obviously, every team needs a good forward and it's not easy to find quality goal scorers without laying out a huge fee. Rumours have linked us to Westbourne's own Charlie Austin, but that seems extremely far-fetched. There are numerous quality players out of contract this summer that I think could improve the team; Will Grigg, Harry Forrester, Davide Somma and Will Hoskins are just a few of those.

Will Grigg bagged 20 goals for Walsall this year

In short, if I were Eddie Howe my shopping list would consist of two forwards, a central midfielder, a full-back and a central defender. Thankfully, Bournemouth fans know how successful Howe has been in the transfer market regardless of funding available, so hopefully a few exciting additions will be wearing the famous red and black stripes next season.

If you were manager, what positions do you think Bournemouth need to strengthen, and are there any players worth looking out for?