SEVEN members of AFC Bournemouth staff are understood to have been made redundant in what Cherries chairman Eddie Mitchell has described as a "restructuring" exercise.
Although Mitchell declined to reveal the number of job losses at Dean Court when questioned by the Echo this morning, the Echo understands seven members of staff left the club yesterday - including long-serving club photographer and programme editor Mick Cunningham.
Commercial executive Tom Jeffes is also understood to have left, with Echo sources claiming further cuts were made in commercial, accounts, ground staff, Black Label Events and Hot Radio.
Asked by the Echo this morning if he had any regrets over the job losses, Mitchell said: "Of course I have. Some of them are friends of mine.
"I have been here three-and-a-half, nearly four years and you can’t ignore the fact you get to know people and get to respect their strengths and weaknesses, and you become involved with them.
"It is not something which I take lightly but, on the other hand, I am here to do a job. That job is to secure the club’s future and to play the best football we can for the fans.
"I won’t shy away from making difficult decisions."
Asked about the departure of popular media man Cunningham, Mitchell added: "I became very close to Mick myself and often stood chatting withhim at away and home games and he has done a great service for the club.
"But as regards anything else regarding Mick or any of the other staff, I don’t really want to comment on individuals."
More on this story later...
