PIRATES chief Matt Ford believes Jeff Mostyn and Steve Sly are the men to turn Cherries' financial fortunes around.

But he also feels the club would be even better off if former chairman Abdul Jaffer were still involved.

Ford is no longer officially attached to the League One club after stepping down last month.

However, the former AFC Bournemouth director is still unofficially involved at Dean Court and will meet the outfit's two new boardroom leaders on Tuesday.

Ford, who runs one of the world's top speedway clubs alongside Mike Golding, said: "Now the dust has settled after Cherries' EGM, I would like to pass on my congratulations to Jeff and Steve, who I believe will certainly take the club forward.

"I have had a few discussions with Steve both before and since the EGM, know his ambition and drive and believe that the club is certainly destined for an exciting future.

"Jeff and Steve have gone into this with their eyes fully open and they know that to turn Cherries' fortunes around is no mean feat, but they have laid the groundwork to do it from and have their fingers on the button.

"Also I think they will have the time to do it.

"When people meet Jeff they will realise the drive and ambition he has for the club and he will charm more people into being associated with AFC Bournemouth.

"In Steve, you have a commitment that is second to none for the club and I see much of myself in Steve in his passion for the Cherries, exactly as I have for the Pirates.

"Jeff, Steve and myself will be having a meeting today with regard to one or two ideas we have for the club and also I hope to help in the assistance of contractual agreements with one or two players.

"So while my position on the board is no longer, I will still be taking a very keen interest and doing whatever I can to help Jeff and Steve in what will be a daunting but very exciting period of their lives.

"All I can ask is that all sports fans in the area get behind Cherries when the club needs you most because it is crucial we have a successful AFC Bournemouth."

Ford, who spent about six months on Cherries' board after being invited on it by Jaffer, added: "I would like to go on record to say how sad and unfortunate it is that Abdul chose to resign.

"Anyone who questioned the morality of Abdul's involvement in AFC Bournemouth is totally misled.

"His sole objective was to make the club successful and I truly believe that the consortium would be stronger if Abdul was still involved."