MILLIONARE businessman Alfie Best says he thinks East Thurrock United should aspire to getting into the Football League and he plans to create a new purpose-built community stadium.

The Thurrock-based entrepreneur owner of Wyldecrest Parks, which has more than 80 static home sites in the UK - has spent a 'seven figure sum' to buy the club's ground at Rookery Hill and a half share in the Isthmian League Premier Division club.

With a personal fortune of £340 million behind him the 50-year-old Alfie, says: "East Thurrock United is a fantastic club with a lot of potential, but what really excites me is the amazing community spirit it has and that's what I want to build and expand on.

"There is a real enthusiasm from everyone involved in the club to achieve great things here and I want to lay the groundwork with a new stadium in the locality that could see us make progress on the field and move through the divisions.

"Obviously, reaching the Football League is a big challenge, but it's a wonderful goal to have and to aspire."

He adds the new look stadium could also offer amenities for other sports in the area.

"A football club has so much more to offer than a game on a Saturday afternoon. It has the opportunity to be the lifeblood of the community," said Mr Best.

"It would be great to be able to build a new community stadium for the club.

"I am confident we will have the support of Thurrock Council who are a go-ahead and ambitious authority determined to provide the best amenities for their residents.

"It's the reason I moved my staff and offices into the borough from neighboring Havering.

"It was a big decision to uproot in excess of 400 staff, but Havering is an authority that did not appear to want to support the aims of business in contrast to the forward-thinking of Lyn Carpenter, the chief executive of Thurrock Council, and her entire team, for whom I have the utmost respect."

Aside from Wyldecrest Parks, Mr. Best has other companies under his wing, which include Barbados VIP Villas, Vaaroom Motorhome Hire, and Alfie Best Property Growth. They have already committed to sponsorship of the club.

He also owns the Sapey Golf & Country Club in Herefordshire.