PROPOSALS to convert Dorchester Town to a Community Benefit Society (CBS) have received the full backing of three key figures.

Magpies’ chief Matt Lucas, Community Trust chairman John Greenslade and Dorchester Town Youth FC chairman Lloyd Spracklen are all in favour of the change.

The Dorchester club’s board will consult shareholders on plans to switch to the one member, one vote system before the matter is voted on at an EGM.

“I believe the move to a CBS is the right move for Dorchester Town Football Club for a number of reasons,” said Lucas.

“It will give the supporters a real sense of belonging and a feeling of togetherness, something I am extremely passionate about and so important these days if a club of our size wants to push on and prosper.

“I very much hope it is the start of a new era for our club which already does a lot for its local community.”

Greenslade added: “The move to a CBS offers the club a mom-entous opportunity to secure its future by involving everyone with the best interests of the football club at heart and opening up new areas of community investment which it is unable to access as a private limited company.”

And the positive outlook was shared by Spracklen, who said: “Dorchester Town Youth FC would welcome the opportunity to become part of the ownership structure of Dorchester Town FC.

“This is something we have been working towards for several years and to have some influence in the future direction the club takes would be fantastic.

“We believe conversion to a CBS will give us the long-term security we need without affecting the way we operate.

“We continue to grow with some 32 teams and over 450 members.

“We need to look towards the future and ensure the youngsters have an opportunity to carry on playing grassroots football in a safe environment with more and even better facilities.”