Cherries: Mitchell wants Groves and Brooks to stay involved (From Bournemouth Echo)

Cherries: Mitchell wants Groves and Brooks to stay involved

7:06pm Wednesday 3rd October 2012 in Sport By Neil Perrett

CHAIRMAN Eddie Mitchell would like to see Paul Groves and Shaun Brooks remain at Goldsands Stadium as part of the club's youth set up.

Groves and Brooks were today relieved of their respective posts as first-team manager and assistant following Cherries' disastrous start to the season.

The pair took the reins on a caretaker basis following Lee Bradbury's departure in March and were appointed permanently on two-year deals in May.

Groves and Brooks, whose 12-game tenure is believed to be the shortest in the club's history, were both elevated from the youth ranks.

Mitchell took the decision after defeat at Crawley yesterday, Cherries' third in succession, saw them slip deeper into the mire near the foot of League One.

“It is not an easy task to change things when people have given their all and believe in what they are doing, but it is results driven,” said Mitchell.

“It is a sad day for me because I have seen what they have put into the club and the efforts they have made. A lot of supporters aren't aware of that. Unfortunately, the luck has not been with them and, after a lot of hard work, things did not work out for them.

“I wish them all the best and would like them to consider staying at the club in the positions they were in, but that will be entirely up to them. I know it would be the right thing for the club.

“I have always made it clear that the way they were trying to produce young players and make them play was very important. We have no intention to relieve anybody in the youth department of their position.

“We could have the capacity to do more with the players and maybe have greater numbers. To lose them completely from the scene would be a step back for the club and I don't want that to happen.”

Mitchell had previously employed Brooks as manager at Dorchester Town, while former Portsmouth and West Ham coach Groves joined Cherries as youth team manager 14 months ago.

“It was very difficult for me,” said Mitchell. “I don't know Paul as well as I know Shaun but I have great respect for both of them. They are very professional in the way they go about their business, the way they present themselves and the way they care about football.

“I think the players would agree with that. I don't think there was any player who would feel they weren't treated fairly. We just haven't had the rub of the green in the first few games of the season.”

The Daily Echo has been unable to contact either Groves or Brooks.