Bognor bosses hail amazing fans as Rocks pass £50k fundraising total

Where the stand once stood ... this area of Bognor's ground is almost ready for the nee grandstand to be built

The Crowndfunder appeal was launched to support ground improvements at Nyewood Lane and to help make up the revenue shortfall following the scrapping of the Isthmian premier division season due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

An original target of £30,000 was met relatively quickly and a new, ambitious target set. Now that has been reached -- and the backers who donated have been praised for their generosity. It closed at midday with £50,116 in the bank.

We reported a month ago - once £30k had been raised - how the £50k target was in the sights of some at the Nye Camp.

Manager Jack Pearce, who is busy assembling a squad of players for the new season ahead, alongside coach Robbie Blake, said: "It is a magnificent effort and we can't thank those who have given enough for their donations. To raise such a significant amount of money during a period where there is an awful lot of financial uncertainty speaks volumes about those who support this club. I'm blown away."

General manager Simon Cook explained that originally it was thought that if the club could get anywhere near the £30,000 target that was set then it would provide a crucial boost to the coffers. He said: "The loyalty of Rocks fans never ceases to amaze us and once again they have stepped up in our hour of need. It is an incredible effort and one which tells you so much about the fabric of this very special club."

Many non-league clubs have appealed to supporters for financial help and along the coast, West Sussex rivals Worthing enjoyed a successful campaign raising around £47,000. Commercial manager Dave Robinson said: "Worthing did a great job raising so much money and for our fans to dig deep and eclipse that figure is astounding and just shows the level of love for the Rocks."

At the start of the campaign, the club said that the money was needed to help with an ambitious blueprint to modernise the ground. A new 367-seat grandstand is set to replace the now demolished main stand, while a new covered area behind the goal at the Seasons End and a new toilet block is in the pipeline. New floodlights and a new PA system have already been installed.

Now work can continue as the club gear up for a return to action on the pitch, said to be earmarked for September or October.