Source: Bournemouth_Echo
Cherries: Mitchell grooming son Tom to take over
CHAIRMAN Eddie Mitchell wants to keep ownership of Cherries in the family and is grooming son Tom to take the reins.[LNB] The 23-year-old has spent the past 18 months learning the ropes and even had an input in helping his father choose Lee Bradbury as the club's new boss.[LNB] Mitchell junior, who has fulfilled various office-based roles at Dean Court, is also being earmarked for a place on the board of directors.[LNB] Paid by his father's company, Tom Mitchell is also in business with his younger brother Josh with Eddie Mitchell planning to eventually pass his shareholding to his two sons.[LNB] Tom Mitchell currently plays as a midfielder for non-league Wimborne and has trained regularly with the Cherries squad ever since his father took control of the club in June 2009.[LNB] Eddie Mitchell, whose programme notes for the Sheffield Wednesday match were penned by Tom, told the Daily Echo: He has got a lot of growing up to do but, with his brother behind him, I would love for him to one day fill my shoes. He is full of ambition and the obvious candidate.[LNB] I have no intention of selling the club or moving away and Tom is doing his apprenticeship here. If he were to take charge in 10 years, I think it would be good for the club. Only time will tell and we don't know what is around the corner.[LNB] He is learning everything about the club. He knows the finances inside-out and believes in the same things as me. He knows we need to get our house in order and improve the facilities.[LNB] He is very knowledgeable about football and has advised me on lots of things. I can teach him about business and building and he can teach me about what is happening on the football pitch and around the training ground.[LNB] Eddie Mitchell appointed son-in-law Neill Blake as chief executive soon after his arrival at Dean Court, while other family members also fulfil certain roles at the club.[LNB] He added: We are a very strong family and work together for the same goal. This is a big business and another one to make a success. My sons are quite capable of carrying things on and making it stronger.[LNB] We are also local which is important. It is not as if we are going to run away and hide if things go wrong.[LNB] We have to be accountable and answerable and are going to run the club correctly.[LNB] Tom and Josh Mitchell were handed control of Dorchester Town after their father had taken a controlling interest of Cherries in June 2009. However, they were forced to give up their shareholding to allow the Magpies to compete in the FA Cup as rules prevented one person or their associates from having a majority shareholding in more than one club.[LNB]
