CHERRIES chairman Eddie Mitchell admitted he would “dearly love” to help Poole Town but then dismissed the prospect of Dolphins ground-sharing at Dean Court.

Poole are making progress in their bid to secure a much-needed ground-share but the possibility of hosting games at AFC Bournemouth’s home is not a feasible one, according to Cherries chief Mitchell.

The reigning Wessex Premier champions require a stadium with better facilities than their Tatnam base if they are to avoid missing out on Southern League promotion for a third consecutive year.

They have been turned down by Wimborne Town and Hamworthy United, and Cherries have added their name to the list of neighbours unable to accommodate the Dorset outfit.

Posters on the Daily Echo website had suggested the possibility of Poole using Cherries’ ground for home matches.

But while Mitchell revealed he had discussed that option with colleagues, he does not believe Dolphins using the League One club’s home is viable.

Mitchell told the Echo: “We spoke to them getting on for a year ago but since then we haven’t had contact with them.

“I would dearly love to help out Poole Town, but I just don’t think it’s feasible for our ground to be used the number of times it would be used.

“It’s a shame because the extra revenue would certainly help our club.

“I have discussed it with colleagues and I would love to help them. I would like to help any club that hasn’t got anywhere to play.

“It’s a shame because the more we can use the ground, the better.”

Poole remain optimistic of finding a ground, though, and vice-chairman Chris Reeves confirmed they were in talks over two potential venues.

A Football Association ground-grading chief is due to visit one of those, which has previously been described as an outside-the-box-thinking option.

He said: “We are very actively involved in two particular areas.

“The time of year hasn’t helped move things forward.

“On two fronts, matters have progressed. On one of the projects, we are expecting to involve the FA very shortly.

“We’ve told the FA what we’re thinking and we will be getting a senior officer from the ground-grading side of things to come down within the next week or so.”

Poole recently submitted a planning application for a new home at a site near Canford Arena.

They previously saw a controversial bid to relocate to Branksome Rec rejected by council chiefs.