Cherries commercial director Rob Mitchell and Dave Walters of Aerial Direct finalise the deal between the two parties.

The renaming of the North Stand took place in 2010 to reward long-serving Fletcher for his loyalty to the club, with his name and image being displayed on the stand’s roof.

Now, Gosport based Aerial Direct, a telecommunications company with over 25 years’ experience in the industry, will sponsor the stand for at least the next two years and take advantage of a range of commercial benefits to help raise their profile and network within the local business community.

Commercial director of AFC Bournemouth Rob Mitchell said, “It is great to have built another new commercial relationship with a thriving company which will help enhance the club’s name further within the local business community.

“We are going through a very exciting period in the club’s history on the pitch, and to have commercial partners such as Aerial Direct join forces with us, certainly helps support our progression commercially off the pitch.”

Mike Rhys, managing director of Aerial Direct added, “As a company Aerial Direct are very excited about sponsoring the Steve Fletcher stand and being involved in the exciting changes thata re currently taking place at AFC Bournemouth.

“We especially look forward to creating a long and prosperous relationship with the club and its fans.”

To find out more about Aerial Direct visit www.aerial-telephones.co.uk.

AFC Bournemouth commercial director Rob Mitchell and Martin Penny of Broomhill Garden Buildings seal the deal in front of the Family Stand at the Goldsands Stadium.

The family run outdoor living and lifestyle company will be the debutant company to sponsor the stand and popular pre-match activity area the Junior Fanzone, which takes place prior to kick-off in the concourse on home match days.

The Junior Fanzone has proven a huge success with the club’s young supporters in its inaugural season. Opening at 1.30pm on Saturday matchdays, youngsters can visit the area to partake in a host of activities, as well as receiving visits from members of the first team squad and Cherry Bear.

Broomhill Garden Buildings, trading since 1993, provide a range of garden buildings including Conservatories, PVCu Windows and Doors, Garden Offices, Log Cabins, Summerhouses, Greenhouses, Sheds and Children’s Playhouses. Their range of quality Garden Buildings can be viewed at their two display sites in Christchurch and Wimborne.

The company will now add to their impressive reputation in the Bournemouth area by sponsoring the stand for the 2013/14 season.

AFC Bournemouth commercial director Rob Mitchell said, “Having recently won the coveted family award at the Football League Awards, it is great that local companies are recognising the services we offer to families and want to be a part of it, especially as the Family Stand and Junior Fanzone are key parts of the matchday experience.

“Hopefully this partnership will also enable us to enhance our reputation and reach out to even more families from a wider area.”

Martin Penny, Director of the Broomhill Garden Buildings Ltd added, “We are extremely proud to be associated with AFC Bournemouth with our sponsorship of the family stand.

“We are a local family run business and this is an exciting new venture for us in exciting times at the Goldsands Stadium.

“The Cherries are our local team with an excellent reputation for being a family club, as proven by their award this season, so we feel this partnership is a natural one for us.”

The winners of last year’s competition, Canford Heath FC, pose with Cherries players and staff from Talk Moneywise on the pitch at the Goldsands Stadium

Run for a second year in conjunction with the Bournemouth Daily Echo, the competition invites local teams to win free playing kit sponsored by Talk Moneywise, as well as receiving a framed shirt ahead of a Cherries home league game.

Talk Moneywise operate a growing national chain of high street branches offering a wide range of independent financial solutions, and have a branch located in Poole Road, Bournemouth.
And after teaming up successfully with AFC Bournemouth last year, Talk Moneywise has also become the club’s Official Financial Solutions Partner.

AFC Bournemouth commercial director Rob Mitchell said, “We are delighted with the support that Talk Moneywise offers us and the community that we serve, and are happy with the relationship we have built up over the last two years.

“On behalf of AFC Bournemouth, I want to say how pleased we are to be able to host this competition for the second year running and I also want to extend my thanks to the Bournemouth Daily Echo, who have shown a shared commitment to our community and young athletes.”

Matthew Wildeman of Talk Moneywise added, “The fact that Talk Moneywise is AFC Bournemouth’s Official Financial Solutions Partner gives everyone involved the opportunity to work on these type of community sponsorships.

“We share similar values to the club and their commitment to serve the local community, and we are also totally focused on providing a valuable and needed service to supporters, local residents and businesses.”

Cherries players Marc Pugh and Tommy Elphick pictured with Matthew Corica of Michael Matthews at the store.

As the town’s leading independent jeweller, Michael Matthews and Charmed by Michael Matthews have already enjoyed a successful relationship with the football club by providing celebratory watches for the player of the month.

Now the company, based on Westover Road in the heart of Bournemouth, have extended their allegiance with the club by becoming the official watch partner, which will include sponsoring the big screen situated in the Hot Radio Main Stand.

A selection of Charmed’s fashion watches will also soon be available to view in reception at the Goldsands Stadium.

Matthew Corica, of Michael Matthews Jewellery said, “We have already enjoyed a successful partnership with the club in sponsoring player of the month and we are delighted to now extend this further by becoming official watch partners.

“As the team continue their push for promotion, there has never been a better time for us as a local business to show support for our local football club.”

Rob Mitchell, commercial director at AFC Bournemouth added, “It has been a pleasure working with Michael Matthews Jewellery and we are delighted that this deal has been agreed.

“As one of the most successful jewellers in Bournemouth, I know that the previous winners of the player of the month award have been delighted with the watches they have been supplied with, so it is great to secure them as an official partner for the club.”

Former Wales international footballer John Hartson will form part of the evening’s entertainment

Former Wales international footballer John Hartson has been announced as guest speaker for this year’s legendary AFC Bournemouth End of Season Player Awards Dinner.

Hartson, who earned 51 caps for Wales, will be in attendance at the annual dinner held at the Goldsands Stadium on Sunday 28th April, the day after the Cherries all important final npower League One fixture away at Tranmere Rovers.

With the season racing to an exciting climax, the dinner will hopefully be an opportunity for supporters, sponsors and players to celebrate a successful season on the south coast.

Jam-packed with the usual light-hearted awards, great entertainment and fantastic food, the 2013 End of Season Player Awards Dinner is set to be an unmissable affair.

Commercial director Rob Mitchell was delighted to secure the attendance of a man who spent so long playing at the top of British football.

“Our end of season dinner is always an event that everyone connected with the club anticipates highly,” he explained.

“Hopefully now with the announcement of John as guest speaker, they have even more reason to do so.

“Not only is he a massive name in the footballing world, but he is also a remarkable character off the pitch, and I am sure that his tales will be not only entertaining but also inspiring.”

In July 2009, former Celtic and Wales star Hartson was diagnosed with testicular cancer, which had also spread to his lungs and brain.

Before his treatment even began, Hartson came to the brink of death after contracting pneumonia, ceasing to breathe and undergoing emergency brain surgery.

Against all the odds, he pulled through, and went on to battle and beat the life threatening disease.

Tickets for the event are on sale now to supporters, corporate partners and player sponsors, and are priced at £55 plus VAT each, or £45 plus VAT for player sponsors.

Alternatively for a table of ten, tickets are £500 plus VAT.

Doors open at 6.30pm for a 7pm kick-off, and tickets include a welcome drink, three-course meal with coffee, along with the player awards ceremony, auction and raffle.

For further information or to book, please contact Emma Wall on 01202 726306 or email emma.wall@afcb.co.uk.

Derek Heritage (left) and Rob Mitchell outside the Goldsands Stadium

United, Dorset’s leading taxi firm, have pledged their commitment to the county’s premier football club by offering all Cherries season ticket holders a 10% discount on their journey, whilst displaying the A3 graphics on the side of their vehicles.

“We are delighted to be involved with our local football club,” said Derek Heritage, marketing director of United Taxis.

“A lot of our drivers are AFC Bournemouth supporters and they are absolutely over the moon to see the Cherries players on the side of our cars. We already have had a lot of feedback from customers and it really is a positive story.

“As a taxi firm we are thriving, so to be involved with a club on its way up is fantastic and hopefully we will be associated with a club in the Championship next season.”

AFC Bournemouth commercial director said, “We are thrilled to have the support of one of the most recognisable taxi firms in Dorset.

“At AFC Bournemouth, we are committed to bringing the best value for money to our supporters and I really hope they can get the most out of this relationship.”

To claim your 10% discount, just show your season ticket card to the driver, sit back and enjoy the journey.

Call United Taxis today on 01202 55 66 77 or visit www.556677.com

The flanker, who formed part of the 2003 World Cup winning squad, will be speaking at the club’s next Sportsman’s Dinner on Thursday 28th February 2013.

Lewis Moody MBE

As well as enjoying a three course meal, guests will be treated to stories from the 34-year-old’s successful career, which included spells at Leicester Tigers and Bath, before his retirement earlier this year.

Moody, who earned himself the nickname ‘Mad dog’ for the ferocious fashion in which he played the game, is certain to have an array of tales to tell from a career which, as well as winning the World Cup, includes seven Premiership titles and three Heineken Cups.

Comedian John Stiles, who is a firm favourite on the comedy circuit and son of football legend Nobby Stiles, will also join the rugby star in entertaining guests on the night.

Other guests will include Cherries boss Eddie Howe, his assistant Jason Tindall and playing legend Steve Fletcher.

AFC Bournemouth commercial director Rob Mitchell was delighted to confirm Moody as guest speaker.

“We’re delighted that Lewis will be attending and speaking at our highly popular Sportsman’s Dinner,” he said.

“It’s important that we promote our Goldsands Stadium as a destination offering a range of events and functions. Inviting Lewis Moody, who has a successful background in rugby, will provide something different for the regular attendees of our Sportsman’s Dinners, as well as attract a new audience of people to the venue.

“We’re very much looking forward to the great stories he has to tell from his vast experience playing at the top level of English rugby.”

Prices are just £475 for a table of ten, or £50 for individual places and are subject to VAT. These prices include a welcome drink on arrival, followed by a three course dinner with wine and coffee.

For further information or to book, please contact AFC Bournemouth’s Commercial Department on 01202 726306 or email emma.wall@afcb.co.uk

Cherries striker Steve Fletcher (centre) with Michael Matthews director Michael Corica (right) and AFC Bournemouth commercial director Rob Mitchell (left).

Michael Matthews and Charmed by Michael Matthews, both situated on Westover Road, is set to supply AFC Bournemouth with the most sought after branded watches and jewellery, which will be awarded to the performer of the month as voted for by the Cherries supporters.

At the end of every month, three potential winners who have shone on the pitch will be put forward to the fans via a poll on official club website afcb.co.uk, with the eventual victor announced on the pitch at the Goldsands Stadium.

Michael Corica, director of Michael Matthews Jewellery said, “I am delighted to be teaming up with the Cherries and to support the player of the month initiative.

“This partnership is a very natural one, providing strong ties to the local community through both the players and the supporters.

“We are known for being the stand out independent jeweller in Bournemouth and I am looking forward to some stand out performances from the team.”

Voting for the first player of the month will begin at the end of August, a spell that sees the Cherries travel to south coast rivals Portsmouth and host promotion contenders Preston North End.

Rob Mitchell, commercial director at AFC Bournemouth said, “This is a great link up with a fantastic Bournemouth business and I can’t wait for the initiative to begin.

“Player of the month is something that I think unites the players and the fans, and to be provided with a prize turns the competition up a notch and should inspire the players to impress the supporters with their individual performances.

“We are expecting a successful season at the Goldsands Stadium so we should be spoilt for choice when it comes to voting for our star man!”

BBC Solent were on hand to report on Saturday’s game at Fratton Park including Lee Barnard’s Goal – Photo By Steve Cook, Seeker Sport

The contract – that sees the broadcaster provide live commentary on all Cherries’ home and away matches until 2015 – is welcome news for supporters of the club who cannot make the numerous long trips north that Paul Groves’ side will make this season.

BBC Radio Solent also provide commentary of every Southampton and Portsmouth match, and have covered the Cherries for over 30 years.

Adam Blackmore, sports editor at Radio Solent, said: “We have a long-standing commitment to live football, and have been covering the Cherries home and away for decades.

“What we do with the club is integral to our coverage of sport across the south, and makes sure we serve the Bournemouth community fully.

“I’m delighted the excellent working relationship we’ve had with the AFC Bournemouth boardroom over the years continues with Eddie Mitchell and his team, and thank them for the cordial way in which negotiations have been conducted.”

In addition to FM and DAB broadcasting, the contract sees Solent provide commentary for AFC Bournemouth’s premium video service Cherries Player. Accessed online at afcb.co.uk, the service streams every match to those living outside Dorset and Hampshire, and provides exclusive pre and post match videos.

Rob Mitchell, commercial director at AFC Bournemouth, said, “We have worked hand in hand with BBC Radio Solent for as long as anyone can remember, and I am delighted that we have been able to agree an extension to our current arrangement.

“Our relationship has never been better, with the improvement to our media department playing a key role in developing the communication with our local BBC station.

“We look forward to a long and successful partnership and hope this season can provide the upmost excitement to all the listeners on the south coast.”

Geoff Paterson from Business Solent (left) presents Champion plaque to Rob Mitchell, Commercial Director at AFC Bournemouth (right)

The football club is at the heart of the community in Bournemouth and Commercial Director Rob Mitchell said they were keen to become involved in Business Solent.

He said: “We are delighted to be part of Business Solent – an established business engagement organisation.

“We hope we can help Business Solent to grow in this area – and for us it will be an opportunity for us to make wider business links across the region.”

Affectionately known as the Cherries, AFC Bournemouth has established a name as a business hub and popular venue for meetings and conferences.

Geoff Paterson, Area Director for Business Solent, said: “AFC Bournemouth joins a growing list of Dorset based businesses such as Adido, C4L, the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, the Green House Hotel, Lester Aldridge and Terence O’Rourke as well as larger firms like De Vere, Hays, Morgan Sindall, Investments, RSM Tenon, Savills and several banks that have signed up to the Champion programme.

“As Area Director for Dorset and South Wiltshire, it is my aim to swell the number of businesses becoming Champions and I strongly believe there are tangible benefits to be had from promoting the region as a whole.”

Business Solent is a premier business engagement organisation which unites business leaders to drive economic prosperity, with the aim of making the Solent region a great place to work, invest, study, live and enjoy.

Sally Lynskey, CEO of Business Solent, said she welcomed AFC Bournemouth as a new Champion and looked forward to working with them.

“We have more than 200 businesses and organisations who have become Champions of the Solent region.

“AFC Bournemouth joins us at an important time for the development of the region and we look forward to working with them in the coming months,” she said.