On Saturday, former AFC Bournemouth owner and chairman Eddie Mitchell died at home at the age of 69.
Everyone at AFCB Vital would like to pass on our condolences and well wishes to his family, including his wife, children and grandchildren.
His family told the Daily Echo…
“He was one of a kind and lived his life to the full.
“Gone too soon but his legacy will remain through what he achieved in the world of property and Bournemouth football club.”
AFC Bournemouth via social media channel twitter said…
“AFC Bournemouth are saddened to learn of the passing of former owner and chairman Eddie Mitchell.”
AFC Bournemouth are saddened to learn of the passing of former owner and chairman Eddie Mitchell. pic.twitter.com/KJtLli8R2E
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) February 19, 2024
Mitchell made his name in property, building houses on the infamous Sandbanks peninsula.
He first became involved in football with local non-league side Dorchester Town becoming owner and chairman of Dorchester Town between 2007 and 2009, only stepping down and eventually letting the club leave his family’s hands when he became involved in the Cherries.
Mitchell became part of a consortium that took over AFC Bournemouth in June 2009 alongside Neill Blake, Adam Murry, Jeff Mostyn, and Steve Sly.
On 22nd June 2009 Mitchell was announced as the new Chairman of AFC Bournemouth, with Mitchell owning 25% of the club and his wife Brenda also owning 25%.
The Cherries had of course just avoided relegation from the Football League and the following season, despite a 16-month transfer embargo, the Cherries won promotion from League Two.
The following season, despite losing management team Eddie Howe and Jason Tindall to Burnley the Cherries almost made it back-to-back promotions, missing out on the League One play-offs at the semi-final stage on penalties.
In November 2011 Russian Businessman Maxim Demin purchased Jeff Mostyn’s 44% and Steve Sly’s 6% of the football club and became AFC Bournemouth co-owner alongside Mitchell.
The Cherries went on to finish a disappointing season in mid-table after indifferent spells under managers Lee Bradbury and then Paul Groves.
In October 2012, Eddie Howe returned to Dean Court, picking up the squad once again in the relegation zone and steering them to promotion to the Championship by April 2013.
Russian businessman Maxim Demin purchased Eddie and Brenda Mitchell’s 50% shareholding in the club in September 2013 to hold a 100% interest in the club at that time.
"It's a really sad loss. Eddie was a good guy who did amazing things for this football club"
Harry Redknapp pays tribute to Eddie Mitchell, the former #AFCB chairman and owner who has passed away aged 69
Listen to the full interview below 🔽🍒
— BBC Radio Solent Sport (@solentsport) February 19, 2024
Mitchell would go on to be involved in non-league football again, this time with Poole Town and he also founded Elite Skills Arena, a football skills equipment company, with its products used across football from the headquarters of the England national football teams at St George’s Park to Barcelona.
That company has suggested a minute of applause to celebrate the life of Eddie Mitchell on the 69th minute of the match between AFC Bournemouth and Manchester City on Saturday.
On the 69th minute during AFC Bournemouth vs Man City, we kindly ask for a minute applause to celebrate the life of Eddie Mitchell.
Eddie was a true Cherries fan, who gave his all during his tenure as #afcb Owner & Chairman.#ClapForEddie pic.twitter.com/X32EAv1vkd
— Elite Skills Arena (@ESA_UK) February 20, 2024
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