EDDIE Mitchell’s appointment to the AFC Bournemouth board moved closer after it was revealed he would be stepping down as chairman of Dorchester Town.

The Poole-based property developer, who is part of the Murry Group, is set to hand over the Dorchester reins to club director Dave Roberts later this week.

Mitchell must relinquish his role with the Magpies due to his involvement with Cherries – which is expected to be confirmed in the next few days – as he cannot hold a position of control at both clubs.

Roberts, a director at Mitchell’s company Seven Developments, will be named as the Magpies’ new chairman with club administrator Annie Greenslade expected to be made vice-chairman.

Mitchell may have transferred his majority shareholding to sons Tom and Josh, under the name of Mitch Sports, but he can still provide financial backing for the county town club.

He said: “I will resign as chairman from the end of this week and Dave Roberts will be the new chairman.

“He’s been to every Dorchester game, home and away, for the past two seasons so he’s been around the club as long as I have and he’s very enthused about the role and looking forward to it.”

Mitchell is currently unable to discuss his involvement with the Cherries due to a confidentiality agreement.

However, he was keen to allay any fears that Dorchester supporters may have about the takeover, which should be concluded shortly.

He added: “The fans have nothing to worry about.

“I’m still committed to the club and there’s a £50,000 investment, in the form of a new marquee, that has just been put up outside the ground.

“The majority has come out of my pocket and the aim is to give the club more earning capacity. I may be stepping down as chairman but I’m not walking away from the club.”

Mitchell could be in line to become chairman at Dean Court, with his son-in-law Neill Blake also expected to take up a position on the board. Adam Murry, Jeff Mostyn and Steve Sly are also likely to become directors.