(Photo: Peter Jackson)
A number of supporters of Bostik North club Grays Athletic are raising funds to place banners, posters, car stickers and flyers around the local area in a bid to to galvanise support and raise awareness for the club's bid to return to Grays in a purpose built community football stadium.
The Gravelmen last played in Grays in 2010 before they were forced to leave their New Recreation Ground after it was sold to property developers.
Since then the club have played at a range of different venues including East Thurrock's Rookery Hill home and Aveley's Parkside stadium, where they continue to currently be based.
The #BringGraysAthHome campaign is being partly organised by long-term fan Jeff Pedley, who told the club's official website, “We have had amazing support online with the campaign, with hundreds of retweets, shares and likes etc. We even had England legend David Seaman sharing info and Man City player Georgia Stanway promoting awareness for us.
“There is a massive amount of people yearning for a place to call home. People have been asking me a lot why I'm doing this.
“As a teacher, I know the positive difference sport makes to children physically and mentally. As fans, it's massive socially for us too. But, to be honest, it's nothing to do with football, it's more about the community- this is an amazing town and it's time we had something to be really proud about.”
Under the guidance of manager Jamie Stuart, Grays are currently sitting in a healthy sixth position in the Bostik North table, following Saturday's 2-2 draw with early season pace setters Basildon United.
