Bournemouth reverse furlough decision in latest Premier League U-turn after Liverpool and Tottenham

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Tom Doyle14 April 2020

Bournemouth have reversed their decision to furlough staff amid the coronavirus lockdown, the club has confirmed.

The Premier League club are now the third top-flight side to reverse their original decision to utilise the government's job retention scheme to furlough non-playing members of staff.

Liverpool and Tottenham have both altered their initial stances following fierce criticism from their own fans - and now Bournemouth have confirmed they will follow suit after listening to their own fanbase.

Currently, Newcastle and Norwich are the only Premier League clubs continuing to place some members of their non-playing staff on furlough.

Bournemouth said they had made the decision despite the financial implications of the ongoing lockdown.

A club statement read: "The ongoing Covid-19 (coronavirus) pandemic has created huge uncertainty across the world.

"We are rapidly coming to terms with the stark reality of what this virus means, both for the health of the global population and for business in all industries, who are being affected by its financial implications.

"Football is undoubtedly one of those industries. As things stand there is no return date for the 2019/20 Premier League season, meaning our revenue is depleted but our outgoings remain unaffected.

"With this in mind, earlier this month we announced that a number of staff at AFC Bournemouth were being temporarily furloughed, and that we would utilise the Government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

"These measures were not taken lightly, given the operational pressures placed on clubs in such uncertain times.

"However well-placed our intentions were, we are aware of criticisms levelled at Premier League clubs applying for this scheme.

"We have listened to our supporters and have reversed our decision to furlough these employees.

"We, as a board of directors, will ensure that the club can continue to operate while the season is suspended, and we will not be applying for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

"Our continuing thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this virus."

Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe, chief executive Neill Blake, first-team technical director Richard Hughes and assistant Jason Tindall have already taken "significant, voluntary pay cuts" as the Cherries look to keep costs down.

Additional reporting by PA.

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