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?
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
