CANVEY Island are inviting their fans to fund the arrival of new players in a new initiative called ‘Boost the Budget’.

The Gulls are calling on their supporters to pay £20 a month, with that money going towards bringing new talent into the club whilst other funds are spent on improving facilities.

Chris Sutton, Gulls Director and the man leading the scheme, said it was aimed at bringing supporters closer to the team and would allow the fans to directly fund new talent on the pitch.

And Sutton said the scheme would also ease the financial pressure faced by all clubs in non-league football.

“Financially, things are tight for nearly every non-league club and we are no exception,” said Sutton. “We want to compete in the Ryman Premier League, and we know we can do that but what we are trying to do is give the fans the opportunity to donate, and their money will go straight into the playing budget and help us grow stronger and progress as a club.”

Subscribers to the scheme will be given a loyalty card that will allow them 10 per cent off all bar food and money off away travel. All members will have their names inside the clubhouse once the season begins.

“We are really hoping supporters buy into this because it will make a massive difference both on and off of the pitch,” continued Sutton. “Canvey Island FC is a very close knit football club and it has always been about players and supporters mingling together.

“If we can get plenty of fans bought into this scheme, it’s going to make a huge difference over the season.”