Cherries: Russian pair among new appointments to club's board

CHERRIES have announced the appointment of three new directors – with Mikhail Ponomarev and Alexey Panferov becoming the first Russian representatives on the board at the Dorset club.

Bournemouth-based businessman Adam Murry, who was responsible for handing Eddie Howe his first managerial post in 2009, returns to the top table at Goldsands Stadium.

The trio will join chairman Eddie Mitchell, vice-chairman Jeff Mostyn, chief executive Neill Blake and directors Tom Mitchell, Josh Mitchell, Steve Sly and Nicholas Rothwell.

News Cherries were planning to strengthen their board was revealed exclusively by the Daily Echo on Twitter last month when Murry’s return and the appointment of one of the Russians had been predicted.

A statement published today on the club website claimed Ponomarev and Panferov had “a long association” with Cherries.

Ponomarev, 38, is the founder of Energy Consulting Group Russia and was previously head of corporate governance for Tatneft. He is described as being “a close associate” of Cherries co-owner Maxim Demin and is heavily involved in football sponsorship in Russia and Europe.

Panferov, 42, is founder and managing partner at NewRussiaGrowth Private Equity and was previously head of investment banking and a member of the board at MDM Bank.

The Russian and Italian-based businessman has been a Cherries follower since Demin became the club’s joint-owner last year.

Cherries chairman Mitchell told the club website: “Mikhail and Alexey are two very successful men and people who we welcome on to the board.

“They have both attended countless games at Goldsands Stadium and are close associates of my business partner Max.

“We are so pleased to be able to add individuals to our team with such exceptional talent and pedigree and I know Mikhail and Alexey will become valuable members of our set up.”

Panferov said: “I am delighted to become a board member of a football club that I am so passionate about. This season is progressing well and I think we have a long and exciting future ahead of us.”

And Ponomarev said: “I have enjoyed my time at AFC Bournemouth and have been honoured to watch it grow over the past two years. I am very proud to have been appointed to the board and I am looking forward to getting further involved at the club.”

Murry, who has played a significant role in the club’s recent history, formed part of a consortium alongside Mitchell, Mostyn, Blake and Sly to take over the club in 2009, having previously been a director during the Sport-6 era.

The Murry Group rescued the club from the ownership of Sport-6 following their disastrous 11-month tenure under business partners Paul Baker and Alastair Saverimutto.

A one-time boxer, Murry was instrumental in Jimmy Quinn’s sacking on New Year’s Eve 2008, with his decision to appoint Howe proving one of the greatest masterstrokes in the club’s history.

Murry, who stepped down from the Cherries board in November 2010, has always remained a close confidant to both Howe and his assistant Jason Tindall.

Chairman Mitchell said: “Adam is a great asset to the club and I’m looking forward to having him on the board again. He is a fantastic ambassador and I’m a great admirer of the time and effort he has invested in helping local charities.”

Murry said: “This club means a great deal to me and I would like to thank Eddie for this opportunity. I’m pleased to return to the board at a time when the club is on a sound financial footing and looking forward to a bright future.

“The board have done a fantastic job in moving this club forward over the past three years and I hope to contribute towards its future progress.”

Comments(31)

fletch for manager says...
7:48am Sat 17 Nov 12

Great news.. Mitchell mafia no longer running the board room now either.. Little Tom best buy football manager 13 to keep him busy.

Local fan says...
7:55am Sat 17 Nov 12

There are so many great things happening at Dean Court both on and off the pitch. We really are in exciting times!

pokesdown1 says...
8:02am Sat 17 Nov 12

Theres no such thing as the Mafia.

bigfatsteve says...
8:18am Sat 17 Nov 12

Looks like the start of a new era at Dean Court. If things go well with more investment into the club and we do get promotion into the Championship. It will be goodbye to the old AFC Bournemouth as we know it. It always amazes me when football clubs expand with investment, where the new supporters emerge from, gates double, treble and sometimes quadruple. It's what all fans dream of when teetering on the edge of bankruptcy, yet only time will tell, whether or not it will be for better or worse. The regular 5,000 supporters that we now consist of, I think over the forthcoming years will expand rapidly with success. Good thing, or bad thing, that will be a matter of opinion. Will could possibly follow the likes of Wigan, Swansea and Reading and become unrecognisable from the club, we once were. Though you will be able to say,"I was there through the good and bad times". If it happens, I think in a way though, personally, I will miss the struggle every season and just being a small club.

Ferndown Steve says...
8:58am Sat 17 Nov 12

bigfatsteve wrote:
Looks like the start of a new era at Dean Court. If things go well with more investment into the club and we do get promotion into the Championship. It will be goodbye to the old AFC Bournemouth as we know it. It always amazes me when football clubs expand with investment, where the new supporters emerge from, gates double, treble and sometimes quadruple. It's what all fans dream of when teetering on the edge of bankruptcy, yet only time will tell, whether or not it will be for better or worse. The regular 5,000 supporters that we now consist of, I think over the forthcoming years will expand rapidly with success. Good thing, or bad thing, that will be a matter of opinion. Will could possibly follow the likes of Wigan, Swansea and Reading and become unrecognisable from the club, we once were. Though you will be able to say,"I was there through the good and bad times". If it happens, I think in a way though, personally, I will miss the struggle every season and just being a small club.
Excellent post Steve - Totally agree with your thoughts and comments - Eddie Howes Barmy Army - UTC

Fanfor45 says...
9:51am Sat 17 Nov 12

Ferndown Steve wrote:
bigfatsteve wrote:
Looks like the start of a new era at Dean Court. If things go well with more investment into the club and we do get promotion into the Championship. It will be goodbye to the old AFC Bournemouth as we know it. It always amazes me when football clubs expand with investment, where the new supporters emerge from, gates double, treble and sometimes quadruple. It's what all fans dream of when teetering on the edge of bankruptcy, yet only time will tell, whether or not it will be for better or worse. The regular 5,000 supporters that we now consist of, I think over the forthcoming years will expand rapidly with success. Good thing, or bad thing, that will be a matter of opinion. Will could possibly follow the likes of Wigan, Swansea and Reading and become unrecognisable from the club, we once were. Though you will be able to say,"I was there through the good and bad times". If it happens, I think in a way though, personally, I will miss the struggle every season and just being a small club.
Excellent post Steve - Totally agree with your thoughts and comments - Eddie Howes Barmy Army - UTC
Speaking from the viewpoint of a life-long fan I agree with all the above too. We have seen one major "up" (86/87) and far too many "downs" from which smaller achievements have come. There is a certain humbleness that comes with supporting a lower division club with perennially no money that has held my attraction to A.F.C. all these years. Without begrudging the money being invested now, how I wished to see Eddie take us through to the Championship before he left for Burnley. Now that would have been achievement to beat them all!! However, here we are on the verge of something great again and I will be there today in the East Stand. Up the Cherries!!!!

Square Old Codger says...
10:03am Sat 17 Nov 12

It looks as if the Russians are taking control of the Club, both the new directors are successful , wealthy men, who may invest in the Club. Add to that the relevation made by Eddie that he has had a number of discussions with Max Demin about the future needs of the Club and the direction that it should go, it is very apparent that Max is far more involved in the Club than was generally realized. Very interesting days, next expect to hear that they ground has been purchased and the fourth stand is to be built and the corners filled in Anything is possible. Glad too to see Adam back , a very decent man.

nonnogeppetto says...
10:04am Sat 17 Nov 12

pokesdown1 wrote:
Theres no such thing as the Mafia.
????? you are joking aren't you!!!

Kind regards

Al capone!!!!!

horsted says...
10:06am Sat 17 Nov 12

bigfatsteve wrote:
Looks like the start of a new era at Dean Court. If things go well with more investment into the club and we do get promotion into the Championship. It will be goodbye to the old AFC Bournemouth as we know it. It always amazes me when football clubs expand with investment, where the new supporters emerge from, gates double, treble and sometimes quadruple. It's what all fans dream of when teetering on the edge of bankruptcy, yet only time will tell, whether or not it will be for better or worse. The regular 5,000 supporters that we now consist of, I think over the forthcoming years will expand rapidly with success. Good thing, or bad thing, that will be a matter of opinion. Will could possibly follow the likes of Wigan, Swansea and Reading and become unrecognisable from the club, we once were. Though you will be able to say,"I was there through the good and bad times". If it happens, I think in a way though, personally, I will miss the struggle every season and just being a small club.
understand you views completely Steve, been with the club since 1968, but what a great ride, more to come,

nonnogeppetto says...
10:07am Sat 17 Nov 12

I agree about exciting times at AFCB long may it last. One (only one) concern I hope we don't end up like Pompey with their Russian fiasco!! UTCIAD

boyerboy says...
10:20am Sat 17 Nov 12

NEXT;

WE BUY A CERTAIN CENTRE FORWARD FROM A NORTHERN CLUB( WHO IS RIGHTFULLY OURS ANYWAY).

TOM GETS A PROPER JOB

AFCB( BOSCOMBE )WIN THE LEAGUE BY A MILE...

Well I can dream can`t I?

Trevor Dykes says...
10:27am Sat 17 Nov 12

nonnogeppetto wrote:
I agree about exciting times at AFCB long may it last. One (only one) concern I hope we don't end up like Pompey with their Russian fiasco!! UTCIAD
I thought that was a Serbian- Middle East- Russian- Middle East- Malaysian- Hong Kong- Lithuanian- Malaysian- Hong Kong- fiasco. Or something like that in some disorderly order or other.

elite50 says...
10:44am Sat 17 Nov 12

nonnogeppetto wrote:
pokesdown1 wrote:
Theres no such thing as the Mafia.
????? you are joking aren't you!!!

Kind regards

Al capone!!!!!
Hey nonno, I know that you are Italianesque(?).
But cool it, you live in Bournemouth now.
Capiche(?)
I think I just blew the spelling!

nonnogeppetto says...
11:05am Sat 17 Nov 12

elite50 wrote:
nonnogeppetto wrote:
pokesdown1 wrote:
Theres no such thing as the Mafia.
????? you are joking aren't you!!!

Kind regards

Al capone!!!!!
Hey nonno, I know that you are Italianesque(?).
But cool it, you live in Bournemouth now.
Capiche(?)
I think I just blew the spelling!
I have A SPARE pair of concrete boots going begging!!!!!! capisc!! (dialect)

nonnogeppetto says...
11:13am Sat 17 Nov 12

Elite50 you are correct re Italianesque!! Born in Italy but have been in the UK since 1965 the best Country in the entire world topped by the best 'community football club' UTCIAD looking forward to today's game

Court Side says...
11:43am Sat 17 Nov 12

I've got Football Manager 2013!Unfortunately i'm proving to be more of a Paul Groves then an Eddie Howe.The squad's too big and Charlie Daniels is having a mare!On the plus side Eddie Mitchell welcomed me to the club and managed to conduct the interview without swearing once!

golfer33 says...
1:20pm Sat 17 Nov 12

Russians, Arabs, Chinese, who would you prefer? success brings popularity, with all the russians living on the south coast the stands will soon start to fill.
But remember the ticket prices will rise as Boscombe go up.

rednblack37 says...
1:43pm Sat 17 Nov 12

Ferndown Steve wrote:
bigfatsteve wrote:
Looks like the start of a new era at Dean Court. If things go well with more investment into the club and we do get promotion into the Championship. It will be goodbye to the old AFC Bournemouth as we know it. It always amazes me when football clubs expand with investment, where the new supporters emerge from, gates double, treble and sometimes quadruple. It's what all fans dream of when teetering on the edge of bankruptcy, yet only time will tell, whether or not it will be for better or worse. The regular 5,000 supporters that we now consist of, I think over the forthcoming years will expand rapidly with success. Good thing, or bad thing, that will be a matter of opinion. Will could possibly follow the likes of Wigan, Swansea and Reading and become unrecognisable from the club, we once were. Though you will be able to say,"I was there through the good and bad times". If it happens, I think in a way though, personally, I will miss the struggle every season and just being a small club.
Excellent post Steve - Totally agree with your thoughts and comments - Eddie Howes Barmy Army - UTC
I agree, there's a lot of satisfaction to be gained from beating the odds.......minus 17 points for example. But not beating the odds and going down under SOD and then the points loss relegating us under Kevin Bond, that was tough to take. But the important thing is not to forget those days.......much as I have no interest in Southampton I think it's incredibly harsh that Nigel Adkins could lose his job after their rise in the last 2 years. What incentive is there to take the club forward if the end result is the sack after 3 months in the top division! But just as long as we don't become another Bradford City................
.Also, hopefully the appointment of these Russians becomes the beginning of the end for Eddie Mitchell as chairman. Mostyn and Sly will want to protect their own positions, so EM can only rely on his family to try and stay as chairman effectively, although his shareholding will mean he'll probably be around for a while yet. No wonder he's saying nice things about Adam Murry and his charity work!

OfCourse says...
3:47pm Sat 17 Nov 12

Cherries chairman Mitchell told the club website: “Mikhail and Alexey are two very successful men and people who we welcome on to the board.
Why then are Mitchell's family on the board? Please Eddie give us an early Xmas present and walk away. UTCIAD

stevobath says...
4:40pm Sat 17 Nov 12

nonnogeppetto wrote:
Elite50 you are correct re Italianesque!! Born in Italy but have been in the UK since 1965 the best Country in the entire world topped by the best 'community football club' UTCIAD looking forward to today's game
I think when we went up to the 2n tier ith Harry,it was the beginning of a l of the problems that happened over next decade.

Of course arry is a legend at AFC & always will be,but I seemed to remember he was the highest paid manager outside top flight & a lot of our players were on fat contracts that the club could not sustain.

Hopeflly if we go p we will have a better infrastructure in place.AFC have always had potential to be a bigger club.If Burnley & Wiga can do it then AFC surely can because of catchment area etc.Would love to see all the Southern Coast clubs in the Prem!

goatty says...
5:38pm Sat 17 Nov 12

More Russians on the board and the Russians in control of anything Mitchell builds.... either they are fronting him so he can go bust and still have control or they are gradually taking over ready to boot him out!

mike in florida says...
6:22pm Sat 17 Nov 12

great investment from russians
but we have not got the stadium to compete with saints,reading,brigh
ton

so we wont pull enough money for the long term investment

we will need to expand to survive next 30 years
lets buy the athelitics stadium off bbc
and build a 25k there

they can have our ground minus a few sides.neighbours will be happier

pete woodley says...
6:27pm Sat 17 Nov 12

I am still very unsure about Murry.

afcb36 says...
7:22pm Sat 17 Nov 12

heard today afcb now have control of the carpark and redevelopement will start shortly to make it adecent carpark instead of a duck pond and then the developement of the new stand will start and who knows then maybe negotiations will start to buy the ground back things look like they are on the up for afcb so i think people knocking eddie mitchell are wrong he has put this club in the strongest posistion they have ever been in up the cherries and mr mitchell and co utciad

susi.m says...
7:22pm Sat 17 Nov 12

pete woodley wrote:
I am still very unsure about Murry.
Unfortunately, you are right to feel that way.

afcb36 says...
7:27pm Sat 17 Nov 12

by the way i am not a familly member or a lover just stating fact as a true bournemouth supporter UTCIAD

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tccherries says...
6:52am Sun 18 Nov 12

See you at Bury lads. Flying in from Luxembourg morning of the game (pls Ryanair get me there on time) have a new found motivation for my beloved Cherries. One request. Can we sing Molly Malone. My fave AFCB song and sadly missed. I'll start. In Dublins fair city. Where the girls are so pretty.....

Football banning order yob says...
7:06pm Sun 18 Nov 12

Mitchell is going tits up on the business front... he'll be gone with the rest of the clinger on clan by January,

seuthsayer says...
10:59am Mon 19 Nov 12

...am waiting to celebrate the expulsion of the mitchell clan....I for one back Murry who seems a decent and honest guy (from what little I know of him!)...interesting that Howe is having quite a few chats with Max about the club's future...no mention of the builder there?

seuthsayer says...
11:00am Mon 19 Nov 12

...as for Mafia?...take a holiday to Calabria, then you will feel the presence of the mafia for sure....not sure even EM is in that league!

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