Chatham Town this week announced ambitious plans aimed at raising between £50-70,000 towards major ground improvements at Maidstone Road.

They include a share issue for club members – including players, parents, employees, directors and sponsors – and the chance for Supporters Club members to buy bonds worth £50, entitling them to votes on key issues at annual meetings.

The club have operated as a limited company since last June but now have a 20-year lease on the Medway Council-owned facility. In a move to bring financial stability and security, the board are now moving to becoming a private limited company.

Planning permission has already been granted for a new two-storey extension, housing a presidents lounge on the first floor with three balconies, a new ground floor players’ lounge, and flexible bar area.

The club are waiting for the go-ahead to erect a new single floor building, between the main gate and the Bournville Road stand, which will house offices, storage and a new boardroom, with the old one being converted into a club shop.

Chairman Jeff Talbot (pictured) said: "We have been waiting for the right time to launch the two schemes to create capital for the two projects.

The club start their FA Trophy run with a preliminary round tie at Redbridge (tomorrow) Saturday.

The Essex club are bottom of Division 1 North and sacked manager Dave Ross earlier this week.

Meanwhile, Chatham boss Paul Foley and striker Aaron Firth have both been charged by the Football Association. Foley has admitted two rule breaches during the game against Dulwich on September 7.

Firth has been charged with using abusive, insulting and threatening words or behaviour and improper conduct in the game at Sittingbourne four days later. He had until yesterday (Thursday) to respond.