ESTATE agent Tony New-man is set to become the new majority shareholder at Dorchester Town.

Newman’s impending arrival has only materialised because current owners Tom and Josh Mitchell have been forced to give up their shareholding, preventing a possible exclusion from this season’s FA Cup.

The brothers were handed the reins by father Eddie who stepped down as county town chairman in June following a takeover at Dorset neighbours AFC Bournemouth.

However, Football Association law, and FA Challenge Cup rule 24(b) in particular, states that one person or their associates cannot hold a majority shareholding in any more than one club.

Therefore, the Mitchells have had to hand over their ownership of the club to Poole-based Newman, who agreed a takeover deal on Tuesday night.

Current chairman Dave Roberts believes that life at the Jewson Stadium will be “no different” despite the dramatic twist.

He told the Echo: “It was all agreed at a special board meeting on Tuesday. Eddie’s had to get out completely because of his involvement with AFC Bournemouth, so he’s solely at Bournemouth now.

“The FA wouldn’t allow it to carry on as it was so Tony Newman has come in. He’s been watching home games for a while now and I’ve known him for some eight years.

“He’s done business with Eddie in the past but there is no direct involvement between the two. Tony is not involved with Seven Developments, he’s his own man and runs his own estate agency.

“It’ll be no different with Tony coming in, he’ll finance the club now and I’ll still be chairman. He’s earned his money the hard way and won’t be throwing it away.

“He’ll be backing us all the way though, and we’re already trying to bring in a couple of new players to boost the squad.”

Despite insisting he will remain as the Magpies’ chairman, rule 24(e) (iii) states that an associate of a person deemed to be interested in a club is regarded as anyone who is an employee of that person.

Therefore, given Roberts’ role as a director of Eddie Mitchell’s company Seven Developments, a hint of uncertainty remains.

The FA confirmed that they are “considering the position at Dorchester Town” but chose not to make any “further comment at this stage”.

Meanwhile the club’s board has released the following statement: “With effect from August 5 the majority shareholding in Dorchester Town FC previously held by Mr Eddie Mitchell, along with all its incumbent clauses and conditions, has been transferred to Tony Newman of Poole.

“The FA has received all the information relevant to the transfer and the club awaits their approval for the move, which is expected within the next week. “Both Tom and Josh Mitchell have relinquished their titles of director and will have no further involvement in the decision-making at the club.

“Mr Newman has been a guest at the Jewson Stadium on many occasions and was keen to become further involved with the club; therefore the offer of the majority shareholding was welcomed as an ideal opportunity to fulfil his wish.

“Tony is also a long time supporter of both Southampton and AFC Bournemouth and has a keen interest in football in general and we welcome him to the board of Dorchester Town FC.”

Had the Mitchells stayed in control of Dorchester Town, then, reading into rule 24, the Cherries could also have been expelled from the FA Cup.

FA Challenge Cup Rule 24 (b) No club may participate in the competition at any stage where that club is interested in another club which is participating in the competition or wishing to participate in the competition. The second club shall similarly not be permitted to participate in the competition at any stage.

(c) For the purposes of this clause, a club or person, or associate of that person, shall be deemed to be interested in a club if that club, person or associate: (i) Holds or deals in (or has made any application to hold or deal in or underwrite any issue of) the securities or shares of that club; or (iii) Is involved in any capacity whatsoever in the management or administration of that club; or (iv) Has any power whatsoever to influence the financial, commercial or business affairs or the management or administration of that club; or (v) Has lent money to or guaranteed the debts or obligations of that club, otherwise than in the ordinary course of banking at arm’s length.

(e) For the purposes of this clause, an associate of a person shall be deemed to be: (i) Anyone of a close relationship with that person who, in the opinion of the Professional Game Board, is or is likely to be acting with that person; or (iii) Any person who is an employee or partner of that person or is in close relationship with any such employee or partner.