Source: Bournemouth_Echo
Cherries: Mitchell vows to spend Pitman cash wisely
CHAIRMAN Eddie Mitchell has indicated he will back Eddie Howe in the transfer market after vowing to spend the club's potential transfer windfall wisely.[LNB] Mitchell's comments come after Brett Pitman's imminent Dean Court exit moved a step closer over the weekend when the club confirmed an undisclosed fee had been agreed with Bristol City.[LNB] Subject to a medical today, the 22-year-old is set to seal a switch to Ashton Gate after the clubs reported that personal terms had also been agreed.[LNB] The Robins swooped for Pitman on Friday and entered negotiations after a proposed move to Blackpool, for a fee believed to be in the region of £600,000, fell through.[LNB] And while Mitchell remained tight-lipped on the finer details, he did say he felt the City move was better for both the club and Pitman.[LNB] Reports in the South West suggest the latest package could be worth as much as £800,000, while Internet rumours claim one of Keith Millen's players could be set to move in the other direction.[LNB] Asked if any of the proposed transfer money had already been earmarked, Mitchell said: No, nothing at all.[LNB] We've got to decide what to do with it as and when the money comes in. We've got to spend it wisely or save it.[LNB] Mitchell has previously revealed that paying backdated rent to Dean Court landlords Structadene was one of his next targets and he said: It's next on our list to make up to date so we're credible with the landlords.[LNB] When the money comes in we'll look at what our pressing needs are, as well as players, and spend it wisely.[LNB] Despite Cherries beginning life without their star striker with an impressive 3-0 victory over Tranmere Rovers, Howe is keen to add to his attacking options, with both Steve Lovell and Steve Fletcher sidelined by injury.[LNB] And when asked whether he would be keen to help the Cherries boss bolster his resources, Mitchell told the Echo: Of course I am, that's what I'm there for, in part of my capacity.[LNB] Over the past week or so, we've talked considerably about it (new signings).[LNB] I think we both knew Brett would be moving up, especially after scoring the hat-trick last Saturday.[LNB] And we started to address the situation at the start of last week.[LNB] Of course, we've got to always look at strengthening our squad, the same as other teams look to strengthen their squads.[LNB] We've got to keep the pressure on.[LNB] He added: He's been sold because he wanted to go and play for a club in a higher division that can offer him better prospects, and that's what we've let him do.[LNB] I know he was still under contract but I think we owed it to him to let him go on and try his luck a bit further up the leagues.[LNB] Should the transfer be completed as expected, it would bring an end to an eventful week of activity surrounding the Jersey-born frontman.[LNB] Pitman initially looked to be on his way to Premier League Blackpool before that deal collapsed, then the Robins made their move.[LNB] Ipswich Town, QPR, Swansea City and Doncaster Rovers are among the clubs to have been linked with the highly-rated forward, who is a product of Cherries' youth set-up.[LNB]
