ADAM Murry – the man who has played a significant role in the recent history of AFC Bournemouth – has launched a blistering attack on Eddie Mitchell’s critics.

Murry has had a foot in the past two administrations at Dean Court and was responsible for brokering the deal that brought Mitchell to the club in June 2009.

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.

Murry, a director during the previous era, helped the new regime get the club back on track under Mitchell before relinquishing his position on the board last year.

But the Bournemouth-based businessman has continued to keep a close eye on events at the club and is still heavily involved at the Seward Stadium through his charity work.

Murry says he has been “saddened” by recent criticism of Mitchell whose handling of club affairs has come under strong fire from sections of the supporter-base.

Mitchell has been castigated for selling a number of the club’s prize assets over the past 12 months, while his financial dealings have also come under scrutiny.

Chairman Mitchell claims both he and his family members were subjected to verbal abuse following Cherries’ 2-0 defeat by Walsall a fortnight ago.

He also came in for some fearful stick during and after a stormy fans’ forum at the Seward Stadium last week.

However, in a detailed and candid statement issued to the Daily Echo yesterday, Murry leapt to Mitchell’s defence and blasted his detractors as “cowardly” and “blinkered”.

Murry wrote: “I am saddened that, after all we have achieved together, it is necessary that I register my disgust at the blinkered minority who believe it is acceptable to use threats, abuse and bullying tactics as a means to register their displeasure with those that run the club.

“In particular, this has been aimed at Eddie Mitchell who has devoted countless hours and resources to the running of the club and, in my opinion, has been the man who has stood between AFCB and the liquidators.”

Published in full on the Daily Echo website today, Murry’s statement is a chronological account of his association with the football club, both as a follower and a director.

He added: “We will never tolerate a minority who believe they have an entitlement to engage in intimidation tactics and verbal hostility that undermine the very fabric of this club.

“We have weathered the worst of the storm and it is now a time for prudence and consolidation. Eddie Mitchell’s targets are in line with those of the fans and he wears the burden of responsibility with decency and integrity.”