By Max Fitzgerald

AFC Bournemouth chairman Eddie Mitchell has been quick to defend car giant Seward Motor Group after it was announced they had entered administration. The firm, who have a long standing relationship with the club, are currently the holders of the stadiums naming rights and have been a shirt sponsor in the past.

Mitchell said, "It is sad when something like this happens, but we are living in hard times at the moment, in every industry and every walk of life.

"The motor industry is no exception but I am sure Seward will come back from this setback stronger than ever."

The chairman went on to insist that he is positive Seward will see out the rest of their three-year-deal as the Seward Stadium naming rights holders.

"I don't think it will effect the club at all. We think very highly of John Saunders and the work he has done for the club, not just the last few seasons but long before I came here.

"We will support Seward wherever we can as they are a company who have been associated with the club for years.

"Hopefully we will look forward to a long and happy future with them as sponsors."

Seward chairman John Saunders spoke to afcb.co.uk, "The Seward Wessex company which operates a joint venture company with Vauxhall Motors has gone into administration and this operates the Vauxhall franchise and the Chevrolet franchise.

"The Seward Dorset company which operates the Hyundai operation continues trading and will not be affected by the administration of Seward Wessex. It is a stand alone company operating out of Christchurch and Salisbury."

When asked about the company's relationship with the Cherries, Saunders said, "The whole operation is associated with AFC Bournemouth, but we will continue to support the club through Seward Hyundai.

"We're selling approximately 600 new Hyundai in Christchurch, Salisbury and the surrounding areas, plus an equal number of used cars and we will continue trading with that company and hopefully support AFC Bournemouth going forward."