'Unbelievable' - Why Bognor bosses are hailing their fans for response to funding bid

Cook spoke after the Rocks unveiled ambitious plans to modernise the ground with a new 367-seat grandstand, a new covered area at the Seasons end, new floodlights, a new PA system and a new toilet block.

The news came with the launch of an appeal for financial support to help pay for the work after the Isthmian premier division season was ended by the coronavirus crisis that has seen the club’s revenue streams hit.

Cook and long-serving boss Jack Pearce asked supporters to back the club through direct donations, a funding page and with membership of the Executive Club.

And Cook says that he is encouraged by the initial response while acknowledging that the Covid-19 pandemic presents a challenging time to ask people for financial backing.

He said: “We’re all in unchartered waters as far as the devastating coronavirus crisis is concerned and we understand entirely that there are far more important things than football at the moment. But even in these trying times the fans have shown lots of love for the club.

“The response has been unbelievable and we want to thank everyone for their contributions.

“It’s not just the money that has been donated that is important, but also the general support for what we are trying to do. It goes without saying that supporters may not be able to donate during these uncertain times but what has been heartening are the messages of support we have had as we look to build the club with these exciting developments.

“One of the ways that fans can help with the appeal is by joining the Executive Club -- this really benefits the club. We have around 130 members who pay £10 per month by standing order. This raises £15,000 per year, half of which is paid back in monthly prizes to the winners, and half is spent on improvements. There are four prizes of between £25 and £1,000 per month.”

*Fans who would like to contribute can do so knowing 100 per cent of donation will go towards the development fund. You can donate at https://gogetfunding.com/rocks-development/ or with a direct bank transfer to: sort code: 20-20-62. / account number 40181072 / reference: Donation Ground Fund.”

The Rocks had initially been reluctant to ask fans for financial support during these troubled times, but so many supporters got in touch with Bognor officials after the remainder of the season was scrapped that they set up the fund.

Bognor had already suffered the financial setback of losing a number of Saturday home Isthmian premier matches to wet weather when the final seven weeks of the season was scrubbed because of the Covid-19 lockdown.

Cook said: “Since the start of the coronavirus crisis, we’ve been approached by many supporters wanting to know how they can donate at a time when revenue has completely dried up.

“Coronavirus has compounded the already challenging financial situation when constant wet weather wiped out many home fixtures, and revenue.

“These fixtures will not of course now take place. Fortunately, the club has continued to manage its finances very carefully over the years and has no debt.

“Initially, whilst extremely touched and grateful for the concern being shown by supporters, we did not initially feel that we should be asking for money at a time when the issues facing football pale into insignificance compared to what so many are facing.

“However, supporters of the Rocks are nothing if not persistent, and the desire to contribute has grown with a number of ideas put forward to us.

“These have included: donate what you would normally spend each week/month on your football fix; one-off donations; or joining the Executive Club, which really benefits the club.”

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