ROCHDALE boss Keith Hill has provided plenty of added spice ahead of today’s top-of-the-table clash by firing a broadside at Cherries’ financial history.

In a candid interview published on his club’s official website, the Dale manager claims that Cherries “overspend” to the “detriment” of other clubs.

Hill, whose side sit third in the League Two table going into today’s match against Eddie Howe’s league leaders, pulled no punches in his assessment of the off-field events which have taken place at Dean Court in recent seasons.

He said: “It will be a very tough game – they are a good side.

“I predicted at the beginning of the season that Bournemouth would be a contender for automatic promotion and so far I have been proved right.

“We’ll be going down there in great spirit and we too are a very good side.

“But we aren’t on an even par with Bournemouth. They overspend and it is to the detriment to clubs like ours, and it is happening far too often now.

“When you look at the Stockport debacle, we suffered directly as a consequence of that team getting promoted and then going into administration. To be honest, I’m sick of it continually happening.

“The punishments should be sterner, with automatic relegation the penalty, (then) I’m sure clubs will start budgeting to live within their own means.

“Clubs like ourselves don’t get the accolades they deserve.”

He added: “I’m not having a go at the management team at Bournemouth. I think Eddie Howe is an exceptional young manager but he has a squad that has been built on money the club never had.

“I do have a massive objection to any team that does go into administration and, in the process, builds a squad capable of promotion.”

Dean Court director of operations Neill Blake last night politely declined to respond to Hill’s comments.

Cherries went into administration in February 2008 following years of financial difficulties.

Sport-6 took over the following summer and more off-field uncertainties followed until |current chairman Eddie Mitchell took charge as part of the Murry Group’s takeover in June.

The Poole-based property magnate set about putting the club’s house in order and brought staff wages up to speed, before attempting to eat into a hefty legacy debt.

• The FA Cup is coming to Dean Court on Monday.

The free FA Cup Trophy Tour gives fans the opportunity to sample the history, heritage and magic of the competition in a special 30-minute interactive cup experience.

Fans can take part in the tour from 11am to 7pm, but to gain entry they must pre-register by visiting facuptrophytour.co.uk.