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 administrators Gerald Krasner and Begbies 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 over Crewe Alexandra.[5] Victory or a draw away at Carlisle United on 3 May, depending on Cheltenham Town and Gillingham's results, would ensure Bournemouth's survival in the division. Former manager Harry 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 to Doncaster Rovers, were relegated to League 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 under FIFA eligibility rules, some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules, some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
^Vokes was born in Southampton, England, but also qualifies to represent Wales internationally through his grandfather and made his international debut for Wales in May 2008.
^Kuffour was born in Edmonton, England, but also qualifies to represent Ghana internationally.
^Begović was born in Trebinje, Yugoslavia (now part of Bosnia and Herzegovina) but also grew up in Germany and Canada. Begović represented Canada at U-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 for Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2009.
^Karacan was born in Catford, England, but also qualifies to represent Turkey internationally through his father, and represented Turkey at U-19 level during the season/
^Pearce was born in Aghagallon, Northern Ireland, but also qualifies to represent the Republic of Ireland internationally. Wilson previously represented the Republic of Ireland at U-18, U-19 and U-21 level before making his international debut for the Republic of Ireland in February 2011.
