Source: Bournemouth_Echo
Halfway there - Mitchell's message to Cherries' supporters
IT is now eight months since the new board of directors took its place with myself as chairman and those eight months have produced some fantastic results off the pitch as well as on it.[LNB] But without the support of you, these achievements would not have been possible.[LNB] You have been a credit to the club by turning out in numbers throughout the winter and the away support I have seen over this period has been fantastic. From the start of my time as chairman, I have been encouraged and enthused by not only the supporters but by the staff and players alike.[LNB] I have felt honoured to represent the club when travelling away as well as in and around the borough. I have also had great financial support from those who have worked for me over the past 30 years I have been in business.[LNB] My aim when joining the club was to work tirelessly in my capacity as chairman and use my influence and business knowledge to once and for all rid the club of its debt the debt that, I am sure, has given you all sleepless nights over the past 10 years and probably before.[LNB] I know over those years the club has enjoyed times of great success on the pitch, but I believe there is a formula to play league football at a level the club can afford.[LNB] This does not mean I am not ambitious and anyone that knows me well will endorse the fact that, all my working life, I have pushed myself to the limit and rarely failed.[LNB] But there is a time, especially more so in football, that to push too hard can lead to disaster and leave bad feeling. So I am determined to control things so that the next 100 years can be passed on to those probably not even thought of yet.[LNB] For the reasons above, I have decided, with my fellow board members, to appeal to all the supporters not just those who |come to the matches but those that support the club through the websites and media to join |with the board and push to satisfy the tax man and the Football League.[LNB] Then we can enjoy football at Dean Court on a level playing field together with the other clubs in our league and put this club on a sound footing for a new era under the leadership of Eddie and Jason next season.[LNB] The board and myself feel it prudent at this time to let you, the supporters, have a freedom of information at regular six-monthly intervals to see the task ahead for all of us.[LNB] This will happen under my chairmanship until everyone who has invested in this club, and who intends to invest, donate or participate in the finances of the football club, is repaid. Only then will the information cease and that will be our work done at the club at last we will be able to relax and enjoy our collective achievements.[LNB] The figures published today are true and accurate and will be updated periodically as the debt diminishes.[LNB] We all know the task ahead, so please join in.[LNB] In the coming days, the board will announce various initiatives whereby you, the supporters, can help us finally rid ourselves of the club's legacy debt, try to lift the embargo and give Eddie Howe and the lads every chance of achieving the success this club so deserves.[LNB] Your chairman, Eddie Mitchell[LNB]
