Media spotlight on Cherries is not all good

I have noticed like all of you I expect that the media attention on AFCB has sky rocketed since they have climbed the Championship table. Media interviews with major broadcasters have gone through the roof with Eddie Howe, Jeff Mostyn and Steve Fletcher major targets for the media circus. In many ways it is good for the club to have a higher profile and to explain how hard everyone has been working to ensure that success is brought to Dean Court, but there are some downsides as we are already seeing.

Eunan surprises a young Cherries' fan.

I sadly missed the TalkSport broadcast on Drive Time this week that talked about AFCB having too small a ground to be in the Premier League and the suggestion to play at St Marys, if the Cherries were to get promoted. I am not surprised by the strong reactions on social media of outraged AFCB fans turning off their radios. The Premier League is all about revenue and that is what we perhaps don't immediately think about, whereas outsiders do not care about whatever rivalry we have with Southampton. To be honest I don't think Saints fans would be too pleased about AFCB turning up on their patch for every Bournemouth home game either.

There is a bigger worry and it is something that came up in the Jeff Mostyn interview with the same radio station. It is trying to ensure that AFCB remains a family club even if it does reach the Premier Leauge. I know the management at the club will always want to keep it a friendly club with as much access as they are able to give to fans. Only last Saturday at the Brighton match I saw Eunan O'Kane walk up to a little boy who was just nearby the dugout and offered him the chance to go down the tunnel to see preparations for the game in full swing. I hope we never lose that or players coming over to sign programmes to put smiles on faces. 

We are AFCB and we should be proud of that. Other clubs may do things differently but we don't have to bend to the views or thoughts of those who do not follow this club with the same passion and excitement that we all feel every match day. AFCB are starting to topple the status quo by getting up with the bigger teams and it is something that is rare so the national media are going to focus on the team's success. Getting used to being at the top of the Championship though is something that we should all enjoy, and I will be glued to the radio today to see if the mighty Cherries can hold on to that top spot, as AFCB aim to go into the international break with another win.    

Good luck to the Cherries today, UTCIAD! Don't forget to use Free Bet Negotiator if you are placing a bet today so that you get a free voucher on a subsequent bet.

All Departments' podcast is now available to listen to which reviews the mid-week Sheffield Wednesday match. Hop over to All Departments' website or scroll down the right side panel on Cherry Chimes until you get to the sound bar for All Departments (sound quality not so good on this one).

Finally, happy birthday to Yann Kermorgant today!! Get us a winner Yann.