THE consortium proposing to breathe new life into Cherries has moved a step closer to fruition with Hampshire businessman Jeff Mostyn declaring himself "100 per cent committed" to the venture.

Mostyn, a 61-year-old financial broker originally from Manchester but now living in Southampton, met Cherries chairman Abdul Jaffer for the first time at the Rotherham game last month.

And after being taken by the club's potential, Mostyn - a keen Manchester City supporter - has now committed his share of the takeover, with the consortium planning to generate around £2m for the cash-strapped club.

In an exclusive interview with the Daily Echo, Mostyn understandably refused to go into the exact financial details, but indicated he is now eager to complete a deal as early as January, in order to finally get the club back on an even financial keel.

Mostyn told the Daily Echo: "When I was introduced to Abdul, it was the first time I'd been to the club but when I walked through the door, I couldn't believe the quality of the stadium and facilities here. "Abdul asked me if I was interested in putting any money into the club - admittedly, this was after he'd bought me lunch and we'd had a couple of bottles of wine!

"But I had a good think about things and a it was obvious that a consortium is what the club really needs. That has now gathered momentum and I am now in this 100 per cent. I'm really excited at the prospect of getting to grips with the club."

Although Mostyn is ready to invest some hard cash into the club, he insists that some fundamental changes need to be made to the way the club is run.

He said: "You cannot throw money at this football club and continue with the existing style of management. There is not a cat in Hell's chance of getting it out of trouble that way - you might as well give your money to Oxfam.

"So Id like to be involved in the running of the club - subject to others agreeing. I think it would be in the club's best interests.

Although the identities of the other consortium members are as yet unknown, Mostyn believes the deal now has "75 per cent" of the funds in place.

He said: "With the right marketing, this club has got some serious potential.

"We've got 350,00 people in and around Bournemouth. Surely we can attract 8,000 of those to come to watch our games?

"At the moment, we're putting the details together and the earliest we'd be looking to complete this would be in January. Of course, there are a lot of people to satisfy before that happens, but I'm hoping they'll see sense."

Jaffer said: "I am delighted that Jeff is so committed to making this project work.

"There are some important hurdles to cross, but I am very excited by these developments.

"We have to get the approval of our current shareholders to make changes to the club constitution, and as soon as the details of the bid are available, I will be communicating directly with them.

"And there is still a chance for any other local people who might be interested in getting involved to get in touch with me."

Interested parties can email Jaffer on aj@carltonbusinessservices.co.uk