GRAYS ATHLETIC have been set a target of £30,000 they will need to raise if they want to become a supporters' owned club.
Over 100 fans attended the share launch last week after former owner and benefactor Andy Swallow announced he would be stepping back from the day-to-day running of the club towards the end of last season.
The Blues have been told they need to raise £30,000 by the end of July to get the green light from the Football Association and Ryman League.
They are being backed by James Mathie of Supporters Direct who have formerly helped the likes of AFC Wimbledon and FC United of Manchester become fan owned.
Fans are being offered the chance to buy shares in the club up to the amount of £10,000 while a membership fee of £30 will go towards the running of the Blues and entitle supporters to vote in the newly formed organisation.
A Blues spokesman said: “We have had some fantastic feedback since the share launch and our supporters have embraced the community share offer with real gusto.
“We are extremely excited at the prospect of Grays Athletic becoming a supporters owned club, you only have to look at the recent success of AFC Wimbledon to see the benefits of a club being run by its supporters.
“Of course, £30,000 is a large amount of money but we are confident that we can raise the required funds to meet the FA and league approvals by the end of July.
“We would like to invite all our supporters to get behind the community share offer and become active members of this fantastic football club.”
To become a member and purchase shares in Grays Athletic Community football club, visit www.graysathletic.co.uk
