Mitchell: We are working within the rules

AFC Bournemouth chairman Eddie Mitchell has hit back at suggestions that the club is over spending on players wages.

The Cherries spending power in League One has raised a few eyebrows over the summer with opposition managers and players commenting on the Cherries recent financial clout.

In his pre-match comments ahead of today's (Saturday) game, Preston manager Graham Westley said the Cherries had been 'spending astronomical amounts of money' and that he simply couldn't compete in the transfer market with the south coast club.

While the recent game between the Cherries and Portsmouth had the Cherries labelled as 'money bags Bournemouth' in comparison to Pompey who remain in administration.

On Tuesday during the Cherries match against MK Dons, BBC Radio Solent speculated that Southampton loanee Lee Barnard was earning between £13,000 and £14,000 a week at the Goldsands.

Mitchell has denied those reports and insists that the Cherries are sticking to Football League rules which force clubs to spend no more than 65% of turnover on players wages.

In 2013/14 that limit falls to 60% with sanctions, including transfer embargoes for clubs who exceed the set limits.

Mitchell told the Daily Echo...

"We are working within the rules and have to prove that to the Football League, the same as every other club. If people want to keep questioning us, that is up to them but I don`t think it is any of their business.

"Spending wisely is what we need to do and we will continue to do that. We have got to progress and are thankful we have got the opportunity to do that. I think some people may be a bit jealous. I am happy with our set up and we will continue to push...'

"...They (Radio Solent reports) are wrong. I am not going to disclose what we are paying Lee Barnard, the same as I wouldn`t disclose what we are paying any other player."

RednBlack Shack

Don't forget to keep checking the RednBlack Shack for great online deals and help to raise money for the AFC Bournemouth Youth Team.

It's easy to join AFCB Vital

With Vital Bournemouth you can win prizes just by having your say on the articles, polls and forums, click the link to register.

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.