Gobsmacked and overwhelmed - Bognor FC bosses react as £30,000 is raised in a week

They've done it - in one week. Bognor have hit their £30,000 crowdfunding target just seven days after launching the scheme - and say they are overwhelmed by the response.
By Steve Bone
Published 15th Jun 2020, 15:13 BST
Updated 15th Jun 2020, 15:14 BST
Pitch watering continues in front of the main stand, which is to be demolished as part of the ground's revamp this summer / Picture: Tommy McMillanPitch watering continues in front of the main stand, which is to be demolished as part of the ground's revamp this summer / Picture: Tommy McMillan
Pitch watering continues in front of the main stand, which is to be demolished as part of the ground's revamp this summer / Picture: Tommy McMillan

The club are about to embark on a major summer revamp of Nyewood Lane, with plans in place for a new 367-seat grandstand, a new terrace cover at the Seasons end, plus new floodlights, toilets and a sound system.

That project - added to a massive loss of income when the end of the season was wiped out by the coronavirus lockdown - prompted a plea to fans and others in the Bognor area to help them through this tough time.

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No-one at the club could have imagined they'd reach their £30k target in a week.

Commercial manager Dave Robinson said the response had been overwhelming, adding: “We launched the fundraising campaign knowing that we were asking people for financial help in the most challenging times for decades because of the Covid-19 pandemic, obviously.

"But a week after the launch we are absolutely blown away to be have reached our initial target of £30,000. There is so much goodwill and love for the club out there and this have been proven with the response we have had.

"We can’t thank fans, local people and businesses enough for their support and can assure them that the money raised will help massively with all the plans we have at the club.

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Have a last look at the Lane as we know itBognor launch bid for £30k“To be honest, we feel that we could well exceed our original hope of £30,000 once businesses realise they can enter our sponsors’ draw through the Crowdfunder page. There are a whole host of sponsorship opportunities within the draw itself, chief among them of course, is the main shirt sponsorship for our kits for next season.”

General manager Simon Cook said the money would provide a timely boost the coffers ahead of the development of Nyewood Lane.

“It’s gobsmacking to see £30,000 reached. We have the new stand being erected over the summer as well as a whole host of other refurb projects and this money will have a big impact on ensuring the ground is in excellent condition for the day we can welcome football back to our hallowed turf.

"The supporters can’t be thanked enough for what is an outstanding effort so far!”

Related topics:Bognor