Bournemouth vow to 'do better' after poorly handled staff changes

Bournemouth have vowed to "do better" following criticism over how changes to matchday staffing were communicated to employees. Concerns were raised after several long-serving staff members were informed via email, just two weeks before the start of the 2026-27 season, that their roles were no longer required.

In an official statement, the club acknowledged that the communication process "did not reflect the standards" they expect of themselves. "People who have given many years of service to AFC Bournemouth deserve to be treated with appreciation and respect," the club stated. "We should have handled this better, and we will do better."

The issue gained public attention after reports surfaced on social media regarding a staff member with nearly 60 years of service who received a brief email notification regarding their contract non-renewal. The approach was widely criticized by fans as insensitive.

The club explained that the staffing review was part of ongoing efforts to strengthen safety and security at the stadium. Following the backlash, the club initiated direct contact with affected individuals to review their circumstances. It has since been reported that the staff member mentioned in the viral post was offered an alternative role at the club.

Moving forward, Bournemouth has committed to listening to the concerns of all affected staff as they work to address the fallout from the staffing reshuffle.