"This success is just the first stage of an exciting project for Bath City"

After reaching its target of £300,000 to buy a controlling stake in Bath City FC, the Big Bid team now want to make a positive influence on the city as a whole.

The Big Bath City Bid Team raised the required £300,000 two days before the September 28 deadline and in the end raised just short of £350,000.

Nick Blofield, who is now set to become the chairman of Bath City FC, announced it was "a great day for Bath City FC and hopefully we can now make a difference to the city.

"The Big Bath City Bid has been drived by a passionate group of supporters of the club and those who believe we can make a difference via sport in the local community. We all want the best for the club and have a vision for taking Bath City FC forward as a real community asset.

"The effort put in by a wide group of people to get support and encourage people to buy shares has been extraordinary, and thanks must go to all these individuals, businesses and organisations who have responded by listening to us or reading about us and who have greatly contributed.

"This success is just the first stage of an exciting project for Bath City, Twerton and the city. As we move the club towards community ownership we need to continue to encourage people to support the club by coming down to watch us all.

"It's a great club with rich heritage. We are especially keen to further develop the club as somewhere families can come and enjoy a game and also use outside of matchdays."