The Vitality Stadium is the smallest ground in the Premier League [Getty Images] Bournemouth have vowed to "do better" after changes to matchday staffing were handled in a manner which "did not reflect the standards" the club expects. Concerns were raised over the way the Premier League club told some long-serving members of their matchday team that their services would no longer be required for the 2026-27 season. An email was sent from "the safety team" two weeks before the start of the season. In a statement, the club acknowledged those concerns and said: "We have reviewed the way these changes were communicated and recognise that it did not reflect the standards we expect of ourselves as a club. "People who have given many years of service to AFC Bournemouth deserve to be treated with appreciation and respect. "We are contacting those affected directly to listen to their concerns and review their individual circumstances." The Cherries made a rapid rise from League Two to the Premier League, taking just five years to reach England's top flight when they were promoted in 2015. Despite being relegated in 2020, they returned to the Premier League two years later and this season will be playing in Europe for the first time. The club reviewed its matchday staffing arrangements for 2026-27 and have made changes to a number of roles and working requirements "as we continue to strengthen the safety and security of the stadium, its perimeter and surrounding areas". Their club statement added: "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. "We are grateful to everyone who has contributed to AFC Bournemouth over the years, and particularly those who have served the club for decades." One post on X said that a man who has been a member of Bournemouth's matchday staff for nearly 60 years received an email that was four paragraphs long, adding that it was a "disgusting approach". After saying their contracts would not be renewed, the email ended with: "We appreciate this will be disappointing news. On behalf of everyone at AFC Bournemouth, I would like to thank you for your commitment, professionalism and contribution to the club during your time with us. "We are grateful for the support you have provided over the years and wish you every success for the future." BBC Sport has been told that the club reached out to the individual involved before the statement was released. He had been working in the car park but has now been offered employment for next season in a different area.
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