Bournemouth have pledged to “do better” after acknowledging that the way they told some long-serving matchday staff their services were no longer required for the 2026-27 season “did not reflect the standards” expected at the club.
In a statement, the Premier League side said they had reviewed how the changes were communicated and recognised the shortfall. “People who have given many years of service to AFC Bournemouth deserve to be treated with appreciation and respect,” the club said. “We are contacting those affected directly to listen to their concerns and review their individual circumstances.”
The affected staff were informed by an email from “the safety team” two weeks before the start of the season. One post on X described the message sent to a man who had served on the matchday team for nearly 60 years as a “disgusting approach”. The email, which ran to four paragraphs and confirmed his contract would not be renewed, ended with: “We appreciate this will be disappointing news. On behalf of everyone at AFC Bournemouth, I would like to thank you for your commitment, professionalism and contribution to the club during your time with us. We are grateful for the support you have provided over the years and wish you every success for the future.”
BBC Sport has been told the club reached out to that individual before releasing its statement. He had been working in the car park, but has now been offered employment for next season in a different area.
The club said the staffing review was part of efforts “to strengthen the safety and security of the stadium, its perimeter and surrounding areas”. They added: “These changes are important, but so too is the way we communicate with and treat the people who have served our club. We should have handled this better, and we will do better. We are grateful to everyone who has contributed to AFC Bournemouth over the years, and particularly those who have served the club for decades.”
Bournemouth’s rise has been rapid. They climbed from League Two to the Premier League in just five years, earning promotion in 2015. After relegation in 2020, they returned to the top flight two years later and this season will play in Europe for the first time. The Vitality Stadium remains the smallest ground in the Premier League.
Bournemouth have promised to make amends with affected staff as they prepare for their first European season.
