Bournemouth to 'do better' after 'disgusting' email

Bournemouth have pledged to improve following a series of matchday staffing changes that were poorly communicated, violating the standards the club expects. The Premier League club informed some experienced members of their matchday team that their services would not be needed for the 2026-27 season via an email sent by the safety team two weeks prior to the start of the season.

The club has since acknowledged these concerns, stating, "We have reviewed the way these changes were communicated and recognize that it did not reflect the standards we expect of ourselves as a club."

The club is reaching out directly to those affected to hear their concerns and review their individual circumstances. Bournemouth has made rapid progress from League Two to the Premier League, with a five-year climb to England's top flight in 2015. They were relegated in 2020 but returned to the Premier League two years later. This season, they will play in Europe for the first time.

The club reviewed its matchday staffing arrangements for 2026-27, making changes to roles and working requirements to enhance stadium safety and security. However, the communication of these changes was deemed inadequate. The club statement noted, "These changes are important, but so too is the way we communicate with and treat the people who have served our club. We should have handled this better, and we will do better."

A post on X mentioned that a longtime matchday staff member, who had been with the club for nearly 60 years, received a four-paragraph email that was a "disgusting approach." The email concluded by thanking the individual for their commitment, professionalism, and contribution while wishing them success in the future. The club has reached out to the individual involved before releasing the statement, offering him employment for next season in a different area.