Former Cherries Chairman reflects on his takeover of AFCB

Jeff Mostyn: “I effectively bought the club with my heart, and my heart ruled my head.”

Jeff Mostyn is often hailed by Cherries fans as a ‘pivotal figure’ in the club’s history, it’s survival, and recent successes, after led the takeover of the club in 2006 and served as Chairman.

The former Bournemouth Chairman acquired the south coast side at a time of financial instability and an uncertain future.  

The following years saw the club fall into administration, with Mostyn and administrator Gerald Krasner attempting and failing to find a buyer to steer the Cherries away from liquidation. 

In a famous press conference, Krasner offered an ultimatum of a further £100,000 investment or liquidation of the football club, which Mostyn replied with a simple nod that effectively secured the future of the Cherries. 

Reflecting on the takeover and investment Mostyn said:  

“Logically it was the worst decision of my life. 

“Everybody else who had previously been interested in buying the club walked away because they were buying it with their head. 

“I walked through the door, full of hope, glory, euphoria. I effectively bought the club with my heart, and my heart ruled my head. 

When asked about what it means to have played such a vital role in saving the club almost twenty years ago and to be held as ‘the man who saved Bournemouth’ by fans, Mostyn said: 

“I recall Gerald (Krasner) saying it wasn’t for Jeff Mostyn, the club would not have made the weekend. 

“I cannot tell you how much pride I have for the role I played in the club’s survival. 

“I’m 5ft6 and I feel 6ft5 whenever anyone comes up to me and mentions it. 

“I feel so honoured and privileged every time, because that’s my legacy.” 

Having sold his stake in the club in 2011, Mostyn stepped away from the club in 2023, having already relinquished his position as Chairman with Bill Foley’s take-over of Bournemouth in December 2022. 

His legacy with the Cherries does not end with his 16 years at the Vitality but continues with the club’s continued growth and success.