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| Thursday 24th January 2008 | |||||||
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On the move
The Magpies' owner held a Fans' Forum at the newly named Jewson Stadium last night along with fellow director Neill Blake. And the property developer is keen to find ways of raising more funds for the county town outfit so to benefit both on and off the pitch. Speaking at the forum he said: "I've had negotiations with the Duchy and Tesco about moving our ground to a new place where we can put in all the facilities that we want so the club doesn't need to keep turning to directors to make money. "But negotiations are as far as it's got, I've got three different areas in my mind and I'm meeting the Duchy on January 29 for another chat but if it does happen the process is a long way down the road yet." Mitchell also explained the reason behind the previously known Avenue Stadium's change in name was due to a donation from building merchants chain Jewson, who Mitchell said donated £15,000 to the club. Weymouth owner Malcolm Curtis has twice stated that there are no plans of a merger or ground share between the two rival clubs. Mitchell though, despite saying it was unlikely to occur, could see business sense in the issue. He said: "My honest answer is that it would be common sense if the two teams played at the same ground because financially that stadium would benefit from being used every Saturday. "At this level in football some clubs have to merge in order to survive but I doubt it'll ever happen in this case." The majority shareholder also revealed he bought his stake in the club for £78,000 and has so far put £200,000 of his own money into the Magpies. And after telling Echosport there was no fall out between him and the seven directors who resigned days ago, Mitchell divulged further into their departures. He added: "I've never asked anyone to leave but unfortunately those who did go couldn't put in as much money as the club needs, so in order to make up the shortfall I need to act and find a way of bringing in that extra money." Former chairman Eddie Belt and ex-director David Grassby, two of the seven board members to stand down, were present last night. And it was explained that all outgoing directors will meet individual financial pledges they have promised but their futures around the club for next season remain unclear, while Belt stated ill health was a major factor behind his resignation. Other issues raised at the forum included Mitchell stating that he could give no assurances regarding the future of the Magpies' under-18s, and that although investing in the club to help his son Tom make it in football Mitchell Jnr remains at Dorchester on merit.
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Copyright
© 2008 Dorchester Town F.C. All Rights Reserved. |
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