COUNCIL bosses have pledged to help AFC Bournemouth move to a new stadium, if that's what the club wants to do.

But Cllr John Beesley admitted the project could be challenging.

"I have met with chairman, Jeff Mostyn and chief executive, Neill Blake and we want to make every effort to assist them in finding a suitable site," he said.

"There is a real will to get this done."

On Friday the club announced it had 'no option' but to look for a new home away from King's Park.

Mr Blake said the club would not be held to ransom by Vitality Stadium owners Structadene over a purchase price.

He also acknowledged that council planners did not want to see major development at King's Park.

Cllr Beesley said identifying a site would be challenging because the footprint would be substantial.

"It would need to have enough space for other elements to make it work all year round."

This could include conference, leisure and community facilities.

"The club's development is very constrained at King's Park because of residential development and the covenants on the land.

"There will be a number of issues to look at in any option, including size, access, planning and any potential disruption.

"We'll do all we can to facilitate this while at the same time respecting local conditions and residents."

The club sold the ground to Structadene in 2005 on a sale and leaseback arrangement when it was in financial difficulty.

Since gaining promotion in 2015, the club has joined the richest football competition in the world. TV broadcasting rights for the Premier League this season are £7bn.

Mr Blake said the board and shareholders have given great thought to meet the needs and expectations of supporters.

Speaking following the announcement last week, David Pearl, chief executive of London-based Structadene, said: "If they can find a better location, I wish them well.”

Mr Pearl said there were around 15 years left on the lease and he had not given any thought to what he would do with the stadium if the football club left.

“That’s a long way off and and I am always happy to sit round a table. Jeff (Mostyn) knows where I am.”