SHAUN Hearn is set to be unveiled as the new majority shareholder of Dorchester Town today.

Confirmation of the deal will mark the former vice-chairman’s return to the Magpies’ boardroom almost 20 months after he stepped down as a director during the tenure of Eddie Mitchell, who has since become the chairman and majority shareholder at League Two side AFC Bournemouth.

Poole-based estate agent Tony Newman had bought 51 per cent of the club’s shares and was awaiting approval from the FA. However, it is understood that he has now agreed to sell his shares to Hearn.

It is also believed that the Magpies, who host Welling United tomorrow (3pm), will be in the hat for Monday’s FA Cup second qualifying round draw.

There were fears that Dorchester, and the Cherries, could be expelled from this season’s competition, but the removal of Mitchell’s sons Tom and Josh at board level has alleviated those concerns.

Hearn’s imminent arrival is positive news for the Magpies after Annie Greenslade and David Martin both resigned as directors on Wednesday with the latter citing growing uncertainty over the club’s ownership as the reason behind his departure.

The former will continue to work for the Magpies but chose to relinquish her role in the boardroom as to clear the path for any new owner coming in.

Hearn politely declined to comment, as not to jeopardise the takeover deal, while Newman was unavailable for a statement.

Meanwhile, injured skipper Kevin Hill is set to miss his sixth game in succession tomorrow.

The 33-year-old has been sidelined by a foot injury since the goalless draw with Newport County on August 18 and is expected to watch from the stands once again tomorrow.

Magpies’ boss Roy O’Brien insists he will only bring Hill back when he is 100 per cent ready.

O'Brien said: “It’s a big ask for Kevin to be back for tomorrow so I would imagine that he’ll be ruled out. I don’t want to rush him back, I’d rather ease him in.

“Nick Crittenden will be fine though. He played 90 minutes on Tuesday night and said he felt fine while Mark Jermyn is available again.”

Dorchester welcome the Wings to the Jewson Stadium buoyed by a 4-3 victory over Havant & Waterlooville in midweek – ending a run of a seven games without a win.

Tom Mitchell serves the final game of his three-match ban tomorrow while Ryan Moss and Ian Selley’s suspensions begin on September 22 and September 19 respectively.

Magpies (from): Northmore, Coward, Jermyn, Bowles, Smeeton, Vickers, Barnes, O’Brien, Martin, Selley, Nodwell, Montacute, Gleeson, Crittenden, Forbes, Moss, Walsh, Groves.

Dorchester Town Under-18s host Salisbury City at the Rec tomorrow morning (10.30am) looking to get off the mark in the South West Counties League.