14 players, is he having a laugh, it was the lack of players that did for us at the start of last season, I thought he was learning by his mistakes but I now wonder what his thinking is behind this decision, I hope we have a good 14 or we are in trouble before we start.

It probably makes sense to portray that the club is going to be run sensibly post administration. I think the FA would frown upon Bond announcing a squad of 24 given the mess we are in at the moment.

That was my first reaction but the difference this time is he is talking about supplementing with youth. No bad thing.

I read this that he is going to use the temp loan market not the youth when we get injuries and suspensions. Look where that got us last season! For God sake learn from last year and look at your youth players that were doing us proud when you had to play them! Anyway it sounds like we have Mr Bond for another season whether we like it or not.

No matter how good the loanies could be, the only real successes last year were Maxi and David Ford, if we hadnt had to play youth players Sam would not have progressed in the way he has and the young boys Bond was forced to play at the end of the season never let anyone down, they have more to play for than loan players who would never have the club at heart. Finding little nuggets like Maxi at div 2 level is a rareity give the youth its head and if we can keep the more experienced players to help them through it could be division 2 just visiting

All you lot have swiped at Bond for not letting youngsters get a chance, he announces the below and now look how you react.

"What I'd do would be to carry a squad of somewhere around 14 players and let the youngsters who are going to be around us have the chance to be in the squad.

"Should injuries and suspensions require me to get players on a temporary basis then that's what I'll do. From a financial point of view I think that's along the lines of how we'll do it."

That to me reads we will have 14 senior players like the title says with the rest being youngsters, then if we need loans due to injuries, we will get loanees. Youngsters can get injured too you know!!!

Anyway the odd loanee is good if they are of good quality, as we know with Maxi and Forde!

This is unbelievsble. The youth players who have shown so much promise this season are out of contract. Bond has to sign them as pros or they will be released so the youth he is talking about are next years second years, and from what I've seen of them in the youth and reserves they aren't a patch on the likes of Pryce, Partington and McQuoid. I think his comments of using loans instaed of giving pro contracts to his apprentices must make Joe Roach wish he'd gone to Southampton when he had the chance, how must he feel when he has had the most youth players ever coming through to see them binned at the end of the season. What is the point of the youth set up if there is nothing at the end of 2 years for them.

Sorry Kevin, 14 is simply not enough. At any given time, you would expect 3-4 of them to be on the treatment table or suspended. It is all very well saying the young lads a chance to be in the squad, but, if they are good enough, they should be offered contracts anyway. I see the need to be prudent in our planning, but cutting it too tight will simply make us an unsuccessful L2 side.

We have all seen where the gates went this season when the team was losing - for goodness sake, maintain the momentum built up at the close of this season!

..Not good to hear IMO..if KB hasn't learnt the lessons of this season and his constant playing of short term loanees sometimes as many as five at a time..then I will be disappointed to say the least...he MUST build on the latter stages of this season when he used the youth team players..two loanees on a season long basis would be a much better idea...please don't take us into the Blue square Premier Kevin!

I'm no fan of Bond particularly, far from it, but you lot aren't reading what he's saying, just want you want to read. He has indicated there will be 14 senior pros PLUS the youngsters. Obviously he knows they have to get contracts, he's not completely dumb.

If you add Pryce, McQuoid, Partington, Franks to the current pros, which makes 18, plus get another 1-2 in on a long loan (anyone remember Max Gradel) that is a decent size squad.

Then of course the new second year youngsters of quality like Hutchings and Rose may get a sniff of the squad at times.

Like I say, I'm no big fan, but with a salary cap in place for the division, let alone our own financial problems what do you want him to have a squad of 30 experienced pros who have all turned down contracts at bigger and richer clubs just for the privilege of playing for AC Bournemouth? Get real.

Assuming that he has a tight budget what other option has he got, if he has only the funds to pay reasonable wages to 14/15 pro's then I can't see any alternative, Darren is on a pay as you play contract and we have parted company with the perennially injured. It will require luck for this strategy to be successful. If they can make a good start, bring in the support, then no doubt more funds will be available. But it is a risk!

Before xmas it was Bond and Mostyn out.Now they are defenitly down,hardly a murmur,How come they are back in favour.

RF72 wrote:
I'm no fan of Bond particularly, far from it, but you lot aren't reading what he's saying, just want you want to read. He has indicated there will be 14 senior pros PLUS the youngsters. Obviously he knows they have to get contracts, he's not completely dumb.

If you add Pryce, McQuoid, Partington, Franks to the current pros, which makes 18, plus get another 1-2 in on a long loan (anyone remember Max Gradel) that is a decent size squad.

Then of course the new second year youngsters of quality like Hutchings and Rose may get a sniff of the squad at times.

Like I say, I'm no big fan, but with a salary cap in place for the division, let alone our own financial problems what do you want him to have a squad of 30 experienced pros who have all turned down contracts at bigger and richer clubs just for the privilege of playing for AC Bournemouth? Get real.

What utter nonsense we need more than 14 players especially in league two and with our injury record, it was bad enough last season with a squad of 16 so how a squad of 14 is going to be better is beyond me, and we all know what he means by using the youth as squad players, they will sit on the bench whilst short term loan players are on the pitch and don't say that won't happen because before he had his hands tied that's exactly what he did last term, so please don't tell me things are going to be better with an even smaller squad and please don't tell me Bond is suddenly going to change his youth policy.

In L2 we can only spend 60% of turnover on playing staff and that must be a miniscule amount when you take into account that we sold off every money-making venture. That's the rule and there's nothing we can do about it right now.

Going forward, we have to hope that everything is brought back in-house and that the fans buy tickets, programmes, shirts, pints, pies, etc. Without that support, it'll only get worse.

PETE WOODLEY wrote:
Before xmas it was Bond and Mostyn out.Now they are defenitly down,hardly a murmur,How come they are back in favour.

Bond: promotion form after xmas?.
Mostyn : Only bloke willing to put money into the club in order to stop it folding?

Paul wrote:
That was my first reaction but the difference this time is he is talking about supplementing with youth. No bad thing.

Yes and the youngsters are a bit more experienced now so its not as bad as last season rather see a couple of loan players and youngsters than old has been injury prone Centre halfs from Luton who only signed to get a final pay day and save driving to Luton (not mentioning any names of course)

PETE WOODLEY wrote:
Before xmas it was Bond and Mostyn out.Now they are defenitly down,hardly a murmur,How come they are back in favour.

I think it's got something to do with what would've a respectable mid table finish, coupled with the best form in the football league with all the day to day running costs being paid personally by Mostyn.

Richard Mayes wrote:
Assuming that he has a tight budget what other option has he got, if he has only the funds to pay reasonable wages to 14/15 pro's then I can't see any alternative, Darren is on a pay as you play contract and we have parted company with the perennially injured. It will require luck for this strategy to be successful. If they can make a good start, bring in the support, then no doubt more funds will be available. But it is a risk!

Richard, totally agree with you.

I think this is a tactic to encourage investors. If Investors see a club loosing money each week through operating costs, they are hardly likely to invest, so by advertising the fact that they are reducing the biggest cost overhead (i.e. the players wage bill), they are more likely to be more succesful in securing the funds for the future.

Chubbs wrote:
All you lot have swiped at Bond for not letting youngsters get a chance, he announces the below and now look how you react. "What I'd do would be to carry a squad of somewhere around 14 players and let the youngsters who are going to be around us have the chance to be in the squad. "Should injuries and suspensions require me to get players on a temporary basis then that's what I'll do. From a financial point of view I think that's along the lines of how we'll do it." That to me reads we will have 14 senior players like the title says with the rest being youngsters, then if we need loans due to injuries, we will get loanees. Youngsters can get injured too you know!!! Anyway the odd loanee is good if they are of good quality, as we know with Maxi and Forde!

Im not swiping at him I have only slagged him off for signing old journeymen injury prone has been who come down here for a pay cheque and dont want to play . I have complained about his lack of confidence in bringing Young players in and although forced upon him he did it and to a certain degree its worked. Also the only loanees I had a go about were that idiot Bergovic from Pompey and that bloke from QPR who was U/S I think this makes good sense
I think Bond is dead right to get rid of Tessem and sadly Foley and indeed Stewart . No I will slag Bond off when its due but I can see he is getting better and until he screws up again (and that day may never come) I will give credit where its due. Whats happened to Bradbury is he staying Hope Kuffour is he was getting better as well. So Yes I have had a go at Bond and indeed Mostyn but only when it was called for but I am objective and dont back him unconditionally or Slag him off unconditionally it depends on what they say or do.

PETE WOODLEY wrote:
Before xmas it was Bond and Mostyn out.Now they are defenitly down,hardly a murmur,How come they are back in favour.

Oh behave
Mostyn and Bond were critisised because of what they were doing Bond has stopped saying and doing stupid things so it stands to reason we leave him alone and if Mostyn is genuine this time the same will apply to him. The Team were crap at the start of the Season and Bond being the Manager was responsible. The Team were Very good at the end of the Season so Bond being the Manager takes the credit. Mostyn ,whilst we still have to wait and see if its real has kept us going for a while at least.

GMcMahon wrote:

RF72 wrote: I'm no fan of Bond particularly, far from it, but you lot aren't reading what he's saying, just want you want to read. He has indicated there will be 14 senior pros PLUS the youngsters. Obviously he knows they have to get contracts, he's not completely dumb. If you add Pryce, McQuoid, Partington, Franks to the current pros, which makes 18, plus get another 1-2 in on a long loan (anyone remember Max Gradel) that is a decent size squad. Then of course the new second year youngsters of quality like Hutchings and Rose may get a sniff of the squad at times. Like I say, I'm no big fan, but with a salary cap in place for the division, let alone our own financial problems what do you want him to have a squad of 30 experienced pros who have all turned down contracts at bigger and richer clubs just for the privilege of playing for AC Bournemouth? Get real.

What utter nonsense we need more than 14 players especially in league two and with our injury record, it was bad enough last season with a squad of 16 so how a squad of 14 is going to be better is beyond me, and we all know what he means by using the youth as squad players, they will sit on the bench whilst short term loan players are on the pitch and don't say that won't happen because before he had his hands tied that's exactly what he did last term, so please don't tell me things are going to be better with an even smaller squad and please don't tell me Bond is suddenly going to change his youth policy.

Why don't we try that again G McMahon. I'll do it slowly for you this time.

THE SQUAD WILL NOT HAVE 14 PLAYERS.

There will be 14 senior pros PLUS youth players PLUS loan players.

How many experienced pros would you like to have? Will you pay their wages? How will you attract them on wages that fall within 60% of turnover?

Are you suggesting that AFCB will take the unusual approach of having their 18 years on and around the bench rather than playing every game, unlike every other club?

It really is frightening how much nonsense is spouted on here by people who know nothing about football.

Yeah Bond is REALLY intending to go in to next season with 14 players......

Some of you lot want to learn how to read.

14 senior pro's plus the youth team players that are going to be offered contracts that should be at least 4 or 5, so a first team squad of 19 or so... not so bad for a league two club with a salary cap? Add to that a couple of quality loans..

It's the only way to go?

what do you want a 25-30 man squad?

Get real.

tezza wrote:
Some of you lot want to learn how to read. 14 senior pro's plus the youth team players that are going to be offered contracts that should be at least 4 or 5, so a first team squad of 19 or so... not so bad for a league two club with a salary cap? Add to that a couple of quality loans.. It's the only way to go? what do you want a 25-30 man squad? Get real.

14 senior pros
plus youngsters and loan players if needed as cover so that could mean a squad of 20 is how I am reading it which is a damm site better than having half your senior pros long term injured. Have I made a mistake in the way I have interpreted this

Thank you RF72 for a sensible post from Sydney. At the moment there are 13 SENIOR pros on the books. If you add to this a couple of seaon-lomg loanees - e.g. Forde, Gradel replacements - you have a core senior squad of 'somewhere around 14 players'. To this it sounds as if Bond plans to add a number of JUNIOR pros e.g. Partington, McQuoid, Franks or perhaps a couple of Premiership Academy cast-offs. The result could be a total squad of around 20 players, of whom perhaps 5 or 6 will be on pretty small wages.
That sounds pretty sensible. Of course there will be injuries during the season but who is to say that the 'young pros' will not improve in the same way that Sam or Jason have done this season. This still leaves scope for those who are first year Youth team players to gain more experience in the Reserves.
It ain't perfect but it sounds to me like a sensible way of trying to live within our means.

ideally we would all like a big squad, but lets be realistic it is not going to happen, the youth players we played this season will be a year older and they did well for us they can only get better, which would give us a squad of at least 19, providing we do not get the usual run of bad injuries this figure is enough with the occasional loan player we will be fine, if we do not cut our cloth to our needs we would soon be back in trouble, so lets not moan about everything, give them a chance to put us back on track

The problem will be trying to keep the senior pros we have if we loose 2 or 3 or maybe more he will have a lot to do in the summer finding new players.

All the sensible posts on hear are missing the point. Those posts that feel we should have 18-20 senior pro's are going to explain later how the finances work and how we pay for it. you see to them its simple, you start by puttin a rabbit into a hat.........

Spot on Eric The Red, who will pay for these extra players, we have lost money for seasons, we have to start living within means, so do all other lower division clubs. Wil all the moaners give money to player share to fund extra players? Will they heck.

...So we have:

Neil Moss
Shaun Cooper
Josh Gowling
Jason Pearce
Warren Cummings
Danny Hollands
Jo Kuffour
Marvin Bartley
Darren Anderton
Sam Vokes
Brett Pitman
Ryan Garry
Lee Bradbury

assuming the OOC's sign again!

Youth Players:

Ryan Pryce
Josh McQuiod
Joe Partington
Matt Findlay

...so that means we need to sign just the ONE player then!

...Jobs a carrot!

...???????

Can I apply???
I used to live in Luton, play in defence, and I'm 43!!
Where do I sign, could do with the dosh!!

sussexcherry wrote:
Can I apply??? I used to live in Luton, play in defence, and I'm 43!! Where do I sign, could do with the dosh!!

If you are injured and unlikely to recover come on down to DC Bondy will sign you but to make sure do what Perrett did wait until he has failed to sign anyone else and is getting desperate and dont forget to bring a friend who plays golf with you who is also badly injured but must be a good player because in 1937 he played in Italy

Bimht wrote:
...So we have: Neil Moss Shaun Cooper Josh Gowling Jason Pearce Warren Cummings Danny Hollands Jo Kuffour Marvin Bartley Darren Anderton Sam Vokes Brett Pitman Ryan Garry Lee Bradbury assuming the OOC's sign again! Youth Players: Ryan Pryce Josh McQuiod Joe Partington Matt Findlay ...so that means we need to sign just the ONE player then! ...Jobs a carrot! ...???????

what about Franks job done no new players needed

A surprise wrote:
The problem will be trying to keep the senior pros we have if we loose 2 or 3 or maybe more he will have a lot to do in the summer finding new players.

Another reason for them to get out of admin as soon as possible so that he at least knows what funds if any he has

kevvo wrote:

sussexcherry wrote: Can I apply??? I used to live in Luton, play in defence, and I'm 43!! Where do I sign, could do with the dosh!!

If you are injured and unlikely to recover come on down to DC Bondy will sign you but to make sure do what Perrett did wait until he has failed to sign anyone else and is getting desperate and dont forget to bring a friend who plays golf with you who is also badly injured but must be a good player because in 1937 he played in Italy

Must admit kevvo, health is a bit dodgy, I'm blind in one arm, deaf in one leg, and walk with a stutter!! Reckon I am suitable material and I would like to put in for 2 weeks hols over xmas if thats ok! As an added bonus, I can kick the dog with both feet, and have a friend who played for the Isle of wight in 1925, albeit at netball!! Reckon the jobs mine, previous applicants need not reapply!!

RF72 wrote:

GMcMahon wrote:

RF72 wrote: I'm no fan of Bond particularly, far from it, but you lot aren't reading what he's saying, just want you want to read. He has indicated there will be 14 senior pros PLUS the youngsters. Obviously he knows they have to get contracts, he's not completely dumb. If you add Pryce, McQuoid, Partington, Franks to the current pros, which makes 18, plus get another 1-2 in on a long loan (anyone remember Max Gradel) that is a decent size squad. Then of course the new second year youngsters of quality like Hutchings and Rose may get a sniff of the squad at times. Like I say, I'm no big fan, but with a salary cap in place for the division, let alone our own financial problems what do you want him to have a squad of 30 experienced pros who have all turned down contracts at bigger and richer clubs just for the privilege of playing for AC Bournemouth? Get real.

What utter nonsense we need more than 14 players especially in league two and with our injury record, it was bad enough last season with a squad of 16 so how a squad of 14 is going to be better is beyond me, and we all know what he means by using the youth as squad players, they will sit on the bench whilst short term loan players are on the pitch and don't say that won't happen because before he had his hands tied that's exactly what he did last term, so please don't tell me things are going to be better with an even smaller squad and please don't tell me Bond is suddenly going to change his youth policy.

Why don't we try that again G McMahon. I'll do it slowly for you this time.

THE SQUAD WILL NOT HAVE 14 PLAYERS.

There will be 14 senior pros PLUS youth players PLUS loan players.

How many experienced pros would you like to have? Will you pay their wages? How will you attract them on wages that fall within 60% of turnover?

Are you suggesting that AFCB will take the unusual approach of having their 18 years on and around the bench rather than playing every game, unlike every other club?

It really is frightening how much nonsense is spouted on here by people who know nothing about football.

Yeah Bond is REALLY intending to go in to next season with 14 players......

Do not attempt to start your crap with me, I am going on what Bond did last season and he had 16 senior pro's and we got relegated and had the worst start in 30 years, I know the squad will be more than 14 but if last season is anything to go by then we are still under staffed, how come a year ago it was a big mistake to have a small squad yet this time you reckon it's a great idea, so what happens if we have 6 players out injured because it has happened before? do you really think a squad that small can cope, I am not saying we need a squad of 30 you are trying to make things out that no one is saying but to only start the season with 14 senior pro's is just not enough, you cannot tell me the youth team have enough experience to take on the league and do well, they will be up against some very seasoned pro's next term, I am all for the younger players coming in maybe 2 or 3 at a time but to have them make up 40% of the squad is asking too much, so don't preach to me and tell me I know nothing about football, I know that I have never seen a team win a league with just 14 senior pro's. As for the loan players, apart form 2 who last season did us any good?

What has happened to people on here, just 6 weeks ago it was Bond out Bond out, and now the man can do no wrong, you lot are all going barking mad.

GMcMahon wrote:
What has happened to people on here, just 6 weeks ago it was Bond out Bond out, and now the man can do no wrong, you lot are all going barking mad.

I dont think anyone is going mad, but I do believe people are beginning to feel that Bond deserves a chance with a fit squad, he has shown in the past couple of months that without all the loan players he was capable of motivating them,

Bond For Mayor!

GMcMahon wrote:
What has happened to people on here, just 6 weeks ago it was Bond out Bond out, and now the man can do no wrong, you lot are all going barking mad.

Bond has said he has learnt from his mistakes of early last season. Why wont you give him a chance.
You cant base your opinion on what happened last season, because what he is saying is different.
He is saying is going to base his squad around 14 senior players and youth and fill the injury gaps that will come into it with loanees.
What exactly is wrong with that given our current financial plight and that their is a wage cap in league 2.
We did have a terrible start to last season, but you need to let it go. People do learn from mistakes and our post xmas form goes to prove that. If we pcik up where we left off next season, will be you be moaning then!

Why have we gone down? Yes administration and the points deducted are a major reason.But...have we forgotten the decision to shorten and reduce the width of pitch.No home wins until december.The worst defensive record in the league until april.Before christmas the football we played was the worst i have seen in 54 years of supporting the cherries...yes even worse than Bensons era, and I saw every game in that period.
What changed things? Injuries and lack of funds meant that we had to keep the same team.Admiistration in a way took the pressure off the players and with nothing to lose we could go out and go for the three points in every game. Compare goals scored in the last three months with the previous four.
Whats happened has happened.We hopefully will still have a team to support next season.Lets get behind Bond.The pies in Bury and Rochdale are delicious.Please make sure we have two wide men available Kevin and bring your training methods up to 2008 standard.Come on you reds.

GMcMahon wrote:
What has happened to people on here, just 6 weeks ago it was Bond out Bond out, and now the man can do no wrong, you lot are all going barking mad.

yep. i for one am looking forward to next season already. if we can get a good start perhaps we can keep some of the 8,000 who turned up for the crewe game. as for bond out we have had that chant along with kevin bonds red and white in the same half of a home match..thats football supporters for you

Anyone know if we plan to go the same way as Bradford did last season and drematically lower the price of season tickets? Bumper crowds at home would surely boost our chances of getting out of L2.

Dont want to put a dampner on it but we are not even sure if we have a next season yet. Until Good Old Jeff comes up with his masterplan. More worried about that to be honest than what price the tickets are going to be

sussexcherry wrote:

kevvo wrote:

sussexcherry wrote: Can I apply??? I used to live in Luton, play in defence, and I'm 43!! Where do I sign, could do with the dosh!!

If you are injured and unlikely to recover come on down to DC Bondy will sign you but to make sure do what Perrett did wait until he has failed to sign anyone else and is getting desperate and dont forget to bring a friend who plays golf with you who is also badly injured but must be a good player because in 1937 he played in Italy

Must admit kevvo, health is a bit dodgy, I'm blind in one arm, deaf in one leg, and walk with a stutter!! Reckon I am suitable material and I would like to put in for 2 weeks hols over xmas if thats ok! As an added bonus, I can kick the dog with both feet, and have a friend who played for the Isle of wight in 1925, albeit at netball!! Reckon the jobs mine, previous applicants need not reapply!!

All fine qualitys for an ex Luton potential Bournemouth signing if you can declare that the drive to Luton is to much for you the jobs yours.

GMcMahon wrote:
14 players, is he having a laugh, it was the lack of players that did for us at the start of last season, I thought he was learning by his mistakes but I now wonder what his thinking is behind this decision, I hope we have a good 14 or we are in trouble before we start.

We can't afford a bigger squad you fool! It's that sort of attitude that has got us into this situation.Do you want a massive squad,or a club to support.Management means unpopular but cost-effective decisions.Obviously you dont run a business.This way at some point we will have to use youth players and that is the only way forward for our kind of club.Think of the reasons before you critise - the last few months should have told you - FINANCIAL, FINANCIAL, FINANCIAL !!!!!!!!!

Moose wrote:

GMcMahon wrote:
14 players, is he having a laugh, it was the lack of players that did for us at the start of last season, I thought he was learning by his mistakes but I now wonder what his thinking is behind this decision, I hope we have a good 14 or we are in trouble before we start.

We can't afford a bigger squad you fool! It's that sort of attitude that has got us into this situation.Do you want a massive squad,or a club to support.Management means unpopular but cost-effective decisions.Obviously you dont run a business.This way at some point we will have to use youth players and that is the only way forward for our kind of club.Think of the reasons before you critise - the last few months should have told you - FINANCIAL, FINANCIAL, FINANCIAL !!!!!!!!!

You want to think about the season ahead, you are the fool, you really think we can do something in league two with only 14 senior players, what utter nonsense, we are likely to be deducted 15 points and the squad is going to be made up with 40%+ of youngsters and loan players, and where have I said a massive squad, get your facts straight. You make me laugh you really do, a year ago the squad was too small and we have let players go already since then, and now a year later it's the solution to our problems, sorry you can't see the reality of the situation, just think how we would cope with another injury hit season like last one, are you honestly saying the youth players and loan players are going to give us a good season then, all I am saying is we need another 3 or 4 players I am not asking for a squad of 30, in all likelihood we will be looking down not up again next season, didn't last season teach you anything.

Oh Kevin, here we go again.

Surely me and my dad are not the only ones who noticed AFCB started playing like a proper team when the majority of the loan players and OAPs had departed?
You've got to learn from your mistakes Mr Bond and swamping the side with loan players and the elderly didn't work.

And, although Max and Foster have done OK, players like Danny Hollands, Marvin Bartley, and Alex Pearce grew and delivered when it really mattered.

So Kevin, a squad of 14 is too simply small, one or two loan players is fine, and a mature senior player can be a bonus, but trying to survive a season with a 5-a-side team bolstered by pensioners and mercenarys will send us down... AGAIN.

Please don't, the fans deserve better.

This is not the worst news in the world. As long as we keep hold of the core of the squad and these are the 14 then i think we have a side that should get promoted. Yes, injuries will greatly effect a small squad but sometimes quality is more important than quantity and a mixture of senior and youth players can't be bad. As for Bond, i think he should be put in a similar position as O'Driscoll was when we were in League 2 last time. Obviously it depends on the point deduction but basically keep us in the top 7 all season or pack your bags.