MANAGER Tom Killick resoundingly endorsed Eddie Mitchell’s imminent purchase of a controlling interest in Poole Town and suggested his detractors were fuelled by “jealousy”.

The long-serving boss welcomed news of the Sandbanks-based property developer closing in on a 51 per cent stake in the Dolphins with the deal understood to be close to completion.

Mitchell confirmed on Saturday that he intends to take up his option but insisted he would not take a seat on the board.

He reiterated his sole objective would be to find Poole a permanent home with Killick currently preparing his troops for the rigours of National South football.

And while Mitchell’s association was met with a mixed reaction from the local football fraternity, Killick revealed he had no such concerns.

Killick told the Daily Echo: “I can only speak as I find and from my experience, Eddie has been very straightforward, supportive and thoughtful.

“On the face of it, there is perhaps a bit of jealousy from certain quarters. He is a successful businessman with a high profile and I think figures like that will always attract an element of small-mindedness.

“All of my dealings with him have been very positive. He turns up to all of our games, is ambitious for the club and wants to take it forward.

“I have had a couple of meetings with Eddie. He has ambitions to find the club a ground and help it to progress and that is what we all want.

“The expertise he has can only be a help to us on so many levels and he has already been a good support to me with regard to first-team players.”