GRAVESEND & Northfleet are looking to accelerate their move from part-time to full-time football by talking to a range of businesses and banks in an attempt to create the revenue streams needed to complete the transition in two seasons.

Chairman Brian Kilcullen disclosed that the club’s board of directors are looking to start the 2005-2006 campaign as a full-time club - finances permitting.

It is believed Fleet must raise in the region of £300,000 before making what would be a quantum leap for a club with a chequered financial history.

An announcement could be made after next Monday’s board meeting regarding the appointment of a new director.

Chief executive Glenn Aitken confirmed that the club were in talks with main sponsor Gladwish Land Sales, plus banks and retailers over associated sponsorship needed to create the necessary revenue.

He said: “We have accepted the challenge to become a full-time club and are presently talking to many people about investing in the club.

“These are exciting times for Nationwide Conference clubs, what with the radical shake-up of semi-professional football for next season. We accept that as a Conference club we cannot stand still otherwise we will go back.

“However I can promise all our supporters, especially the older ones who will recall how close we came to folding, that we will not take what is a massive commitment until we have the appropriate funding in place.”

He added: “The chairman has stated that he would like to see us go full-time in the season after next and we are working hard to reach that target.

“We are prepared to offer a place on the board to the right person, should he or she come forward.”

Asked about the possibility of a new member being appointed to the board at Monday’s meeting, Mr Aitken added: “There could be an announcement on Tuesday but nothing is definite.”