Structadene chief executive David Pearl has wished AFC Bournemouth well in their search for a new location for a new stadium.
Structadene are the company that purchased Dean Court from AFC Bournemouth in a £3.5million sale and leaseback deal in 2005.
Back in 2011 a Structadene spokesperson reiterated that they ‘don`t need to sell and there is no requirement for us to sell the property because we are very happy with the return we are getting on it’ following two bids from former AFC Bournemouth chairman Eddie Mitchell to re-purchase the ground.
That position does not appear to have changed after months of recent talks with the Cherries over a potential buy-back.
On Friday AFC Bournemouth chief executive Neill Blake announced that the football club board would not be ‘held to ransom over a price‘ with Structadene and due to this and the indication from Bournemouth Borough Council that a greatly increased capacity ground within Kings Park would not be approved, the Cherries will be leaving Dean Court for the first time since 1910.
In a statement on behalf of the board of directors Blake told afcb.co.uk…
‘…We are working tirelessly to identify a site and it is our ambition that a new stadium would be built in time for the start of the 2020/21 season.’
‘The shareholders want to create a legacy of AFC Bournemouth becoming an established Premier League club in a stadium which is befitting of our status, and we believe that building a new stadium on a new site will allow us to deliver that.
Pearl, a Tottenham Hotspur Vice-President spoke to the Daily Echo following Blake’s announcement and said…
“If AFC Bournemouth want to move, that is their decision. If they can find a better location, I wish them well.”
Executive director at Bournemouth council Bill Cotton said…
“Like everyone, we are extremely proud of the achievements of AFC Bournemouth and we recognise the importance of the club to both local residents and fans.
“We will continue to support the club and do all that we can to help in their search for potential sites. We will be seeking to ensure that the needs of the club are met alongside those of the local community, and within established planning policy.”
To read AFC Bournemouth chief executive Neill Blake’s full statement visit afcb.co.uk.
Your Say…
NornIron wrote…
Can’t help thinking this is the worst outcome for everyone.
Landlords left with an unrentable property.
Council left with an eyesore at kings park and angry NIMBY voters wherever we end up.
Club left forever in massive debt to owners paying a fortune to build (see Brighton)
Fans left travelling to middle of nowhere to a soulless emptybowl.
Common sense not prevailing.
Bah humbug. – Join the conversation here.
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