MUCH-maligned Cherries chairman Jeff Mostyn yesterday came out fighting after admitting he struggles to ignore criticism of his tumultuous tenure at Dean Court.
Speaking at the press conference where Paul Baker and Alastair Saverimutto were officially unveiled as the Dorset club's new owners, Mostyn defended his role in Cherries' troubles.
"People believe that Steve (Sly) and I have stood in the way of progress and that is the last thing we have done with this football club," he said.
"What we've done is we've brought the football club through its darkest days to where we are today. And I'm delighted we've been able to do that."
Mostyn and Sly will sit on the new company's board as chairman and vice-chairman in non-executive roles, while Baker and Saverimutto will be directors.
And Mostyn, who some suggested would walk away from the club after yesterday's announcement, revealed he would remain involved for the "long haul".
He said: "We'll be working very, very closely with Sport-6 to ensure our vision is achieved.
"It now happens to be a mutual vision but we'll be working as hard as we ever have been with Sport-6 to achieve it.
"This isn't a question of selling something, taking some money and disappearing. As I said earlier, I intend to stay on.
"Paul and I have also spoken about me having an interest in Sport-6, so that gives you an indication of my desire to go forward as a team.
"Nothing gives me greater confidence than to sit here and be proud to be part of a team that has the capabilities and finance to assist me.
"It's no longer a one-man finance show.
"I think for the first time people will see a smile on my face that's not just relief that we can take this club forward."
Mostyn was keen to reiterate his belief that, in Sport-6, the company jointly owned by Baker and Saverimutto, he has found the right people to drive the club on.
After confirming the group had money to fund the remainder of the administration and further into the future, Mostyn added: "Our new partnership is not just about money. Those people involved in football will realise that, unless you've got a bottomless pit, money runs out very, very quickly.
"The club has at long last got to face the reality of playing football as a Football League club and look at its responsibilities in paying bills and in making sure that the expenditure does not exceed the income we have.
"This is where we find the strength of Sport-6. We have experts in football with business acumen, which will give us a solid platform, rather than a platform of sand, to build a future where we believe the football club will be in a financial position to meet its responsibilities."
