EDDIE Mitchell is set to complete the purchase of a majority shareholding in Poole Town – but has vowed to decline a place on the club's board.

Mitchell revealed his intention to take up the option of a 51 per cent stake in the Dolphins with his right to buy set to expire on Tuesday.

The Sandbanks property developer politely declined to comment on how far from completion the deal is but the Daily Echo understands it is on the verge of being rubber stamped.

Mitchell initially bought a two-year option in December 2013 and then purchased an extension until the end of May, which prompted an invite to become a director.

He chose to take a back seat and despite closing in on a controlling interest, insisted he would continue to steer clear of any direct involvement in club operations.

Speaking exclusively to the Daily Echo, Mitchell said: “I am keen to take up the option but my reason for that is not to participate in the running of the club one bit.

“It has been run very well by the people already in place and I have given my assurances that the day-to-day running of the club will not change.

“The commitment to the players and other things will not be influenced by my shareholding, I am purely taking up the option in order to progress my search for a permanent home from a position of strength.

“That and enjoying watching a game on a Saturday afternoon are the reasons behind my decision. Other than that, there is no need for me to participate in the club.

“If I am asked for advice and can offer it, I will but the club is fine. It has secured a host of trophies over the past few years and doesn’t need my input other than the most pressing issue we face, which as everybody knows is the ground.

“I would not be participating on the board of directors or as chairman. Should the deal go through, I would purely be a shareholder.”

Addressing his invite on to the board, Mitchell added: “I want to pull out of that.

“I have held in-depth talks with the club and don’t see that I would add much value other than trying to bring investment to the club, which I would do anyway.”

Meanwhile, Mitchell issued a rallying cry to Poole councillors to act now to aid the club’s bid for a permanent home.

Having won promotion to National South, Poole need their headquarters to meet the requirements of the Football Association’s B grade by March 31, 2017.

“We have no end of age groups playing under the club’s badge, girls and boys, men and women, and it is in a big conurbation,” he continued.

“The borough deserves a good, solid football club and the club deserves a good, stable home.

“We have a situation where we are playing good football and Poole Town is an asset to its community. People in positions within the borough need to recognise that and help us.”