Three south coast businessmen are promising fresh investment ‘on and off the pitch’ after acquiring a majority stake in football club Wimborne Town. Martin Higgins, Adam Tovey and Lee Merrifield, pictured from left to right, reached agreement on their takeover at a meeting with the club’s current board on November 29. As well as being long[1]standing fans of the Southern League Premier South club, the three are senior level colleagues at a Dorset-based property finance company. While the purchase price is undisclosed, the new owners say it is ‘a sizeable sum backed with a long-term commitment to do the best for the club’. Adam, who is taking the role of vice chairman, said: “This is all about writing an exciting new chapter for Wimborne Town. “We are committing ourselves to improve the playing squad and progress the profile of the Magpies with new community initiatives. “We will be announcing more details in due course and we would like to attract new supporters and further investment including from potential sponsors. “Our message to the business community in and around Wimborne is that our door is open and we are more than happy to talk to you.” Adam is valuation director at 40-year-old property finance specialist MSP Capital, where Martin is managing director and Lee is underwriting & credit manager. Both passionate about football, Martin and Adam are the driving forces behind MSP Capital’s shirt sponsorship deal with AFC Bournemouth, yet they are keen to stress their Wimborne Town purchase is by three individuals rather than the company for whom they work. Adam said: “The majority stake is something we are doing personally.” Lee, taking an enhanced role as finance director, added: “This next chapter is an evolution not a revolution and the current board have undertaken some outstanding work. They will be maintaining their presence as shareholders and board members. “This is really important, as we value the history and provenance of the club and those that have steered the club to where it is today.” Magpies’ current chairman Tony Grant welcomed the deal, saying: “We all want to see Wimborne Town go from strength to strength, especially so since we moved to New Cuthbury. “The time is right to pass the baton of ownership on and I wish Adam, Martin and Lee all the very best with taking the club forward.” Wimborne Town was founded in 1878 and, until this season’s stadium move, had played at the Cuthbury ground for more than a century.