Fans of Bath City Football Club have been able to buy back the majority shareholding of the club thanks to a fund-raising drive backed by the Bath Chronicle.

The Share in our Future campaign reached its £250,000 target after a last-minute donation by the chairman of a rival soccer club.

Gloucester City’s millionaire backer Colin Gardner provided the last £3,000 needed to buy back the majority shareholding from financial firm Corporate Equity.

The former Football League referee had heard a TV report about the campaign and immediately offered the cash.

He said: “During my time as a referee I officiated at Bath City on many occasions and always had a strong affection for Twerton Park. It’s nice to be able to help them out.”

Bath City financial director Paul Williams said the day had been “surreal” but said he had spoken to Mr Gardner who confirmed he would be donating £3,000 in return for a pre-season friendly between the two clubs at Gloucester.

He also thanked the Bath Chronicle for its support in the campaign.

He said: “Publicity for the club is always good but I think it has galvanised a few people who would not have been involved in it.

“From that point of view we have kept the momentum going. I think the Chronicle has helped with that.

“Stories being on the news pages have meant they were read by a different type of person and we have had people contact us who have no association with Bath City, but whose family have in the past and they have got involved.”

Back to the campaigns index

Do you have a story about the regional press? Ring 0116 227 3122/3121, or
e-mail [email protected]