BEING on the ropes is uncharted territory for Adam Murry.

And having headed the recent takeover at AFC Bournemouth, the one-time boxer is determined to keep it that way.

Along with fellow directors Eddie Mitchell, Jeff Mostyn, Neill Blake and Steve Sly, Murry has ambitious plans to hoist the ailing club out of the doldrums.

Without his input last season, the bell could have already tolled for Cherries.

A curious chain of events started with Murry being installed as director of operations in December – and ended with him disappearing into the background in early February.

In between, his decision to replace Jimmy Quinn with Eddie Howe proved a masterstroke.

The introduction of new training methods, including psychological and physical conditioning at the hands of ex-heavyweight boxer Scott Welch, apparently did not sit too kindly with Quinn.

In turn, Cherries’ plight at the foot of the Football League did little to please Murry who was instrumental in Quinn’s axing on New Year’s Eve.

Murry was also responsible for streamlining staffing levels and ruthlessly cutting costs as he continued to source new backers after striking a deal, in principle, for Paul Baker’s share in the club.

His unseen contributions included donating a vehicle and new office furniture to the AFC Bournemouth community sports trust, an area which caters for around 3,000 children every month.

However, despite his best efforts, Murry was unable to complete his takeover before Baker’s end-of-January deadline.

“Although the club was working more efficiently, I didn’t feel confident at the time,” recalls Murry. “I was in a position to carry out further due diligence and realised just how severe the finances were.

“I knew I needed to find extra investment if I were to proceed so Paul started looking for other backers.

“Then, we were all hoping the deal with the Middle Eastern consortium would come off.

“I was able to develop my group with Eddie (Mitchell) and was then in a position to re-submit an offer.

“Other people came and went and there were a lot of false promises from other interested parties.

“I have always had the full support of Jeff and Steve. They are both extremely passionate guys and have done their utmost to keep this club afloat.

“Working with them has made me realise the effect this club can have on people. They seem to love it as much as they love their own families.

“I’m the first to admit that I wasn’t really a football man until I got involved here and this club has changed my life. I want to be part of the club and I want to be part of a winning team.

“The community aspect is very important to me and Steve Cuss and his staff do an amazing job getting out to so many children. I want the club to be at the forefront of the community.

“One of our first initiatives will be a community day and we will also be working closely with the council as we look to develop an academy to embrace the community concept.

“With Eddie and Neill on board, I’m confident we can get this club back on its feet. It’s going to be a massive challenge so everybody is going to have to unite and look to the future.

“I know Eddie enjoys a challenge and he was the ideal person for the group. Neill is an upstanding guy and just what this club needs.”

Murry and Blake will both take a hands-on role in their respective capacities as director of operations, with neither drawing a salary from club funds.

In the short term, their brief is to reach agreement with creditors over crippling arrears, with the tax man and landlords Structadene the two most pressing.

Striking a deal for the stadium naming rights and increasing commercial revenues are also on their to-do list, while land development for a potential academy is also on the agenda.

Success on the pitch, however, could ultimately be the difference between the Murry Group emerging triumphant or heading for a collective fall.

Adam Murry is firmly in the red corner.