THERE has never been much in the way of loyalty in football, on the field at least.

Players come and go, managers come and go. The only true constant in the game is the supporters.

Not so in the case of Mick Cunningham.

Mick is a lifelong fan of AFC Bournemouth, yes, but he has also dedicated more than 20 years of his working life to the club. Often in difficult circumstances.

That made news of his redundancy at Dean Court all more the baffling.

Supporters outraged by Cunningham’s departure should remember that business needs dictate in the current climate. One realist poster on Twitter suggested all companies need to “trim the fat” from their head count from time to time.

Mick Cunningham, though, is not part of the fat of AFC Bournemouth – he is part of its backbone. Part of its soul.

Whether a club full of new faces and fresh ideas was truly aware of the scale of Cunningham’s dedication and talent as club photographer and programme editor remains to be seen.

But they will soon realise just how much he contributed to the club he loves.

He worked for nothing during more turbulent times, driving mile after mile to away games with no guarantee he would see any money. He did it because he loves it and because it is part of his life. Deep down, he will still feel that way despite the news that greeted him when he turned up for work yesterday.

And now, with success potentially just around the corner and, apparently, financial stability surging through its veins, the club deems him surplus to requirements.

Another poster on Twitter suggested he would sacrifice any impending glories for a club he “actually liked”.

Those thoughts resonated today as hours passed without so much as a public ‘thank you’ issued from the Cherries PR machine for the years of graft from the seven people who appear to have lost their jobs.

They deserved better. Mick Cunningham deserved better.