CHIEF executive Alastair Saverimutto has called an emergency board meeting to discuss Cherries' indifferent start to the new season.

Saverimutto and Paul Baker - the club's new owners - saw Cherries slip deeper into the mire following Saturday's 3-1 reverse at Port Vale.

A second successive defeat left Cherries eight points adrift of safety in League Two and did little to ease early-season pressure on boss Kevin Bond.

Saverimutto and Baker will be joined by non-executive directors Jeff Mostyn and Steve Sly at the hastily-arranged board meeting at Dean Court later today.

Speaking to the Daily Echo last night, Saverimutto said: "We all want the team to win because, ultimately, that's what it's all about.

"As a result of a couple of poor displays, we need to assess the position and will be holding a board meeting to discuss lots of issues, not least the issue of the way in which the team is performing on the field.

"A lot can happen in a board room and there will be things that need to be said and discussed that will all be in the interests of AFC Bournemouth.

"I very much sympathise with our supporters and, as I've said before, won't shy away from making decisions and will run this club in the way that I believe is right and fit.

"As the new owners, we are very passionate about the team going forward.

"Although I sometimes have to take the emotion out as I run the business, it doesn't take away the fact you are willing the team to perform and to win. At the moment, the performances clearly demonstrate one thing and the results demonstrate another thing."

Bond's cause has been severely hindered by continued off-field turmoil, with Cherries forced to start the season 17 points in arrears due to previous financial problems.

Relegation last season was brought on by the club falling into administration, while a transfer embargo also tied Bond's hands until it was relaxed on the eve of the new season.

However, difficulties continue to plague the squad with star striker Jo Kuffour last week sold to Bristol Rovers and his replacement Alan Connell suffering a knee injury during his first training session on Friday.

Saverimutto added: "Since August 7, when we got the Football League share back, we've had to put a lot of things in motion and not least concentrate on what we can and can't do in the transfer market.

"We've been working very closely with Kevin to get it right because certain positions needed bolstering and others didn't.

"The striker's position seems to have been almost cursed and this challenges the football. Some you win and some you lose and we've lost a few things in the bid to bring in players and strengthen the squad.

"That said, the manager has got a team and the best team we can possibly get on the field and we just haven't had the rub of the green.

"It's been disappointing for everybody, not least I'm sure for Kevin, that the results have been two draws and two recent losses.

"When you have setbacks with things you can't guarantee it only adds to the load of trying to build a new AFC Bournemouth."

  • Cherries have completed the signing of former Fisher Athletic striker Jeff Goulding following a successful trial spell with the club.

The 24-year-old has penned a one-year deal with a further 12-month option and could be in contention to make his debut in Cherries' Johnstone's Paint Trophy clash against Bristol Rovers tomorrow.