CHAIRMAN Dave Roberts insists that Eddie Mitchell will have no involvement whatsoever at Dorchester Town.

Property developer Mitchell, who became the Magpies’ majority shareholder in June 2007, stepped down as county town chairman 10 weeks ago following his takeover, together with the Murry Group, of AFC Bournemouth.

Mitchell then transferred his majority shareholding to sons Tom, who plays for the Magpies, and Josh.

However, the brothers have been forced to relinquish their ownership of the club as the arrangement contravened FA Cup rules, and the Magpies could have been expelled from this season’s competition as a result.

Poole-based estate agent Tony Newman has now bought the shares and is currently awaiting FA approval regarding the move.

Roberts will miss the Mitchells’ input, but is looking forward to working with Newman.

He said: “It’s unfortunate that Eddie can’t be involved in any way but rules are rules and we’ll follow them.

“I’m sure he’ll still come and watch Tom play when he can.”

FA Challenge Cup Rule 24(e) (iii) indicated that Roberts, who is a director of Eddie Mitchell’s company Seven Developments, could also be forced to step down from a position of control at Dorchester.

However, the Magpies’ chairman has allayed such fears.

He added: “I’ve had it verbally from the FA that there’s no problem with me being chairman, I’m just waiting to have it in writing.”

The club hopes that Newman’s takeover will gain FA approval at the end of this week.