HINDSIGHT is a wonderful thing – just ask Paul Baker.

Less than 12 months ago, life – both personally and professionally – was a bed of roses for the Chester-based 49-year-old.

He owned a flourishing business portfolio and, with his partner Louise, doted on their three children.

Then, he was to make a decision which was to ultimately turn his world upside down – in more ways than one.

Buying AFC Bournemouth with business associate Alastair Saverimutto has cost Baker “thousands of pounds” and has also led to the break-up of his long-term relationship. His courier company UK Sameday has also gone into administration.

“It’s been one hell of a rollercoaster,” understates Baker. “There are certain things I would change, but when it comes to getting involved with AFC Bournemouth, I wouldn’t change anything and nothing has discouraged me.

“I’m not saying I would do it all again. I’m saying I wouldn’t change anything. I got involved because I wanted to. You make decisions based on your beliefs at the time. At the time, I knew I had the sale of my business in my back pocket and it was thriving.

“Circumstances change very quickly. We went from a business that was worth millions to a business that ended up in administration in the course of six to eight months. It’s been very difficult to handle.”

Baker has become a victim of the country’s severe financial climate, with the demise of Woolworth’s – whom UK Sameday relied on for a sizeable chunk of its business – a major contributory factor.

He retains other business interests, including a taxi firm, and is currently in the throes of trying to start a new courier company while assisting with the administration of UK Sameday.

Around Christmas, Baker decided to seek a buyer for his share in AFC Bournemouth. The process, however, has not been without its pitfalls.

He said: “I had to concentrate on things in the north. I couldn’t give the club the devotion that it needed and that’s why I made the decision to get out. The club needs full-on care and attention.

“Although it’s been a tough year, the ultimate aim at the start of the season was to secure our Football League status and overcome the 17-point deficit, which we achieved.

“The aim now is to find somebody to give the club a bright new future. If we could tick both boxes, I would be a very happy man. It may have been difficult for the fans to endure at certain stages but if you look back, staying in the league is the biggest tick of the lot.

“My biggest mistake was being naïve enough to believe that when people told me they could do X, Y and Z, the fact that they couldn’t do A was difficult for me.

“We weren’t able to bring in new investment. We never wanted a 100 per cent share in the football club, we wanted to share the liabilities with other parties. The fact that didn’t come to the table has made it very difficult, especially when the sale of my business collapsed.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at AFC Bournemouth and, if the legacy is that I pass on the baton of ownership to people who can bring in substantial funding to take the club forward, then I would be delighted.”