Baker named Bournemouth chairman

Paul Baker feels boardroom changes will drive the club forward

Paul Baker has been named as the new chairman of Bournemouth.

The Cherries' co-owner takes on the role after Jeff Mostyn and Steven Sly stepped down last month.

Bournemouth-born philanthropist Adam Murry also joins the board in an international development and community-orientated role.

Baker, who arrived at the club in July, told BBC Radio Solent: "I'm absolutely thrilled. It's an honour to be given the position."

The appointment of the new chairman is one of a number of boardroom changes at Dean Court.

"We just felt that we needed to bring in experience at the top end, people that were going to make the big decisions. We feel now that we have the board in place that will push the club forward," Baker added.

Mike Cheston, formerly at Everton, will become the finance director and lawyer Mark Forman also joins the new-look board at Dean Court.

Alistair Saverimutto will continue in his role as chief executive.

He said: "Paul Baker is a really passionate football man. He's fallen in love with AFC Bournemouth in a very short period of time.

"Paul brings a lot of quality. I think in this day and age chairman are not just about pompousness and arrogance. He's a genuine guy and has a really good heart."