SEEING son Tom score the goal that kept Dorchester up was “worth every penny I’ve put into this club” according to chairman Eddie Mitchell.

Mitchell junior’s first goal in black and white proved to be the winner in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat of Bromley. And the goal was made all the more important as relegation rivals Thurrock also won.

The results keep Dorchester in the Blue Square South but see Thurrock fall through the trapdoor.

Mitchell senior was delighted with Saturday’s events and while his son rests up in Dubai, the property developer is already looking ahead to next season.

He said: “Tom’s over the moon. Over the last two or three months he’s really found his enthusiasm and he feels he can fight for a place. He’s really up for it.

“I was glad for him to get his first goal, and he nearly had a second.

“I’ve never denied the fact that I got into the club to help with my son’s career as a footballer. To see the smile on his face on Saturday was my reward for what I’ve done. It was worth every penny I’ve put into this club and a good moment for me.

“In regards to my enthusiasm for the club it’s never been any different though. I’m just raring to go and I wish that next season would start tomorrow.”

Last summer the Magpies’ chairman increased the playing budget in the hope of attracting a better calibre of player and in turn seeing an improvement on the Jewson Stadium crowd figures.

However, the latter failed to come to fruition and Mitchell senior was forced to introduce a wage cut in January and let several players leave the club.

The turbulent period also saw then manager Shaun Brooks resign. But Eddie has already set out an “affordable” budget for the next campaign, aiming to avoid a repeat of recent turmoil.

He added: “We’ve outlined a budget for next season and if we have a good cup run, or receive any other bonuses, then Roy’s budget will improve but we’ve set out what we can go with and what we can afford.

“I just want to try and put less money in but make the club earn more at the same time.

“It’s up to Roy now to come up with the team he wants that can meet our budget. It’s not going to be easy but Roy has our full support.”

Mitchell senior is also looking forward to derby clashes with Weymouth after the Terras’ relegation from the Blue Square Premier was confirmed last Friday night.

He said: “Next season will be my third with the club and I’m getting to know what will help us go up the table. I’m much wiser than I was and I think we’ll do well next season.

“Weymouth coming down could also be good for us as it will generate more interest.”