MITCHELL ENDS HIS INTEREST IN POOLE

EDDIE MITCHELL’S purchase of Poole Town has been shelved at the 11th hour – despite a deal being “agreed in principle” this month.

The property developer wanted to try to take the Dolphins into the Football League by helping build a new stadium and funding an assault through the divisions.

Poole will begin their maiden National League South campaign on Saturday at Ebbsfleet United.

But they are unlikely to be watched by the former Dorchester and AFC Bournemouth chairman after the club confirmed a deal was dead.

His plans were to buy 51 per cent of the Robins family’s 65 per cent interest in the club. Now, the club must look elsewhere for investment.

Vice-chairman Chris Reeves, who had said he would work alongside the new owner and not sell his 25 per cent stake, said: “While you can never say never, the talks have ended rather than been put on hold.

“There were one or two differences and simply we were unable to broker a deal.You never know what’s around the corner, but I don’t think it’s right to suggest talks could resume.”

Reeves told The NLP four weeks ago a deal was imminent and that much of Mitchell’s focus would turn to a new stadium.

It’s another blow to Town after it was confirmed there will be no place for them in fresh plans to redevelop Poole Stadium.

Speedway will remain the main attraction, with greyhound racing also on the site.