EAST Thurrock United have turned to the local community to help secure the future of the football club.

Earlier this year the future of the cash-strapped Isthmian League club looked bleak, with longstanding manager John Coventry announcing he would be stepping down after more than ten years because of the 'horrendous' financial situation at the club.

And most of the club's backroom team also announced they would be leaving.

When the season was curtailed, the club looked to have a very difficult feature with local football stalwart, Colin McBride stepping in to help oversee the club's running.

At a public meeting he pulled few punches about the club's future and said it was likely the club would have to drop down the football pyramid to survive.

However, things appear to have turned a corner, with the club deciding to stay in the Isthmian premier, new investment and sponsorship coming into the club and long-awaited plans for a new ground funded by the sale of Rookery Hill and the support of the owning Bennett family finally moving closer to fruition.

And the club, known as the Rocks, appears to have found a guardian angel in flamboyant businessman Alfie Best, who has declared his aspiration to take the club into the Football League.

Now the club's reshaped committee has turned to local people to put their hands into their pockets to help the club – though they could win prizes for doing so.

A statement from the Rocks says: "Most of you will be aware that, thanks to the efforts of a handful of committed people over recent months, the future of East Thurrock United FC is now looking a lot more secure than it did back in March.

"In fact, if things go according to plan, we hope to be moving into a really bright and exciting new era both for the club, and for the local community.

"We have a whole new management set-up at the club, with ambitious plans to develop the club going forward, making it something the whole community can be proud of.

"Our plans include re-locating to a brand-new community stadium in the local area, expanding our already successful youth section, establishing development sides to provide a pathway for committed younger players to move into non-league and professional football, plus plans to set up ladies, veterans and walking football teams.

"Now we are inviting our friends, supporters, youth parents, and the wider community to play their part in supporting the club, by signing up for our newly launched "Rocks Supporters Scheme".

"A unit/number in the scheme costs £10 per month, preferably payable by bank standing order, although you can also play by cash or cheque. There is no limit to the number of units any one person can hold.

"Apart from the obvious satisfaction of knowing that you are playing your part in supporting your community club, one of the benefits of joining the scheme is a monthly prize draw for all paid up participants.

"During the football season, we will be holding the draw in the Rocks Bar following the first Saturday home first team match of each month, (or the first Saturday if no football).

"Winners not present at the time of the draw will be advised by telephone/email.

"Also, on the first Sunday lunchtime of each month, there will be a 'Bonus Ball Rollover' draw. The winner of the bonus draw will need to be present in the Rocks Bar at the time of the draw, otherwise the prize will roll-over.

"Initially, the prize pool will be £100, £30 & £20 for the regular draw, plus £50 for the bonus draw, which if not claimed will increase by £50 each month until won. Please note that the above prizes represent the minimum prize pool, based on a take up of up to 100 units/numbers. Should the take-up go above 100 the management will increase the prize pool accordingly.

"Draw results will be published on the Rocks website: - eastthurrockunited.co.uk, and also circulated via Rocks facebook and twitter.

"Other benefits of the scheme include: - 25% discount on Season Tickets (one per share), One free hire of the Rocks Bar lounge per number per year (subject to availability). Priority access for tickets to special club functions or any all-ticket match involving the Rocks."

The club has published a [L] https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/files.pitchero.com%2Fclubs%2F5658%2F39bW8euCRhSmF35budZE_SUPPORTERS+SCHEME+2020.docx.pdf [L+link[.L] with details of how to join, and for a printable standing order form.