Rebels can rise thanks to new investor

By Neil Harvey

NATIONAL League South high-fliers Worthing have been further boosted by a major new investment at Woodside Road.

Local businessman Ralph Gilbert has committed himself to the long-term project of bringing full-time football to the area by becoming a ten per cent shareholder of the club.

Gilbert – co-founder and director of Focus Group, which employs over 600 people in the region and 1,000 people nationally. – has joined the board with the immediate aim of upgrading the stadium to meet National League Step 1 ground grading requirements.

His arrival comes at the best possible time with the club top of the National South table after three games ahead of yesterday’s visit of Aveley.

BOOST: George Dowell

“This is a private investment and one that I am incredibly excited about,” Gilbert told the club’s website. “I have had really positive discussions over the past few months with the club’s board, [chairman] Barry Hunter, [owner] George Dowell and [director] Chris Salt and I am committed to support their growth plan and joining the club on its journey.”

Hunter added: “He is a highly successful businessman, has an excellent local network and we are really looking forward to him joining our team

“The club is on a steep trajectory and we have a lot to be optimistic about. So, it’s vital everything about the club is fit for purpose, something we have been working on in recent seasons.

“We have two immediate priorities. Transitioning into a full-time operation and upgrading the stadium. Operationally we aim to spend within our means by growing our income and that will remain a key factor in the timing of our transition into full time.”