Bournemouth struggled all season amidst an injury crisis, and when they were docked ten points by the Football League after entering administration, with debts around £4 million,[3] on 8 February, relegation appeared to be almost certain. The only bid that administratorsGerald Krasner andBegbies Traynor accepted came from a consortium led by chairman Jeff Mostyn. However, in a press conference on 3 April, Krasner said that, due to a breach of the agreement between the administrators and the consortium relating to the funding of the consortium and the sale of the club, the agreement broke down.[4] Krasner also warned that the club might also be closed before the end of the season, unless appropriate funding came forward.
In spite of off-the-field issues with the club, Bournemouth achieved a remarkable string of results in League One. By 19 April, a winning streak of five matches left Bournemouth four points away from safety with two games remaining. The winning streak was increased to six matches on 26 April with a vital 1–0 victory overCrewe Alexandra.[5] Victory or a draw away atCarlisle United on 3 May, depending onCheltenham Town andGillingham's results, would ensure Bournemouth's survival in the division. Former managerHarry Redknapp commented that escaping relegation "would be more than a great escape, it would be a miracle" and added that "if Kevin (Bond) doesn't get Manager of the Month there's something wrong".[6] Bournemouth managed to achieve a 1–1 draw in the match against Carlisle United but, with Cheltenham Town winning 2–1 at home toDoncaster Rovers, were relegated toLeague Two.
Had Bournemouth not been given a points deduction as a result of entering administration, the club would have finished in 15th, at the expense of Crewe, who would have been relegated in their place.[7]
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined underFIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined underFIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
^Vokes was born inSouthampton,England, but also qualifies to representWales internationally through his grandfather and made his international debut forWales in May 2008.
^Kuffour was born inEdmonton,England, but also qualifies to representGhana internationally.
^Begović was born inTrebinje,Yugoslavia (now part ofBosnia and Herzegovina) but also grew up inGermany andCanada. Begović represented Canada atU-20 level and was called up for the international side in August 2007 and November 2008 without making an appearance. Begović later pledged his international allegiance to Bosnia and made his international debut forBosnia and Herzegovina in 2009.
^Karacan was born inCatford,England, but also qualifies to representTurkey internationally through his father, and represented Turkey atU-19 level during the season/
^Pearce was born inAghagallon,Northern Ireland, but also qualifies to represent theRepublic of Ireland internationally. Wilson previously represented the Republic of Ireland at U-18, U-19 andU-21 level before making his international debut for theRepublic of Ireland in February 2011.
