Southbank cash boost (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Southbank cash boost

11:19am Thursday 31st May 2007 in Football By Nick Mashiter

CORSHAM Town is ripe for investment, according to a former manager and player who is preparing to put new cash into the club.

Gary Lock, 45, managing director of Corsham based computer company Rugged Technologies, wants to help the Southbank outfit take the next step of their development by donating a four-figure sum.

The Toolstation League Premier Division champions were not promoted to the Southern League Division One South and West because they couldn't afford the potential £80,000 required.

Lock and friend Steve Herbert, another former player who owns a construction business, admit to being very keen to invest at the Southbank.

"It would be looking to help them in their development and reaching their next goals," said Lock.

"I have sponsored them hundreds of pounds in the past but maybe we are able to take it further."

Lock, a former defender who managed the club between 1994 and 1996, isn't expecting a return on whatever money he puts into the club. "In my kind of business it is not an investment," he said. "I am not going to see a return on my money but I just want to help and support them and their ambitions."

"I would not be looking for a place on the board. I have a great idea of how they are run after being on the committee.

"I know Richard Taylor (club secretary) very well and can liaise with them with how we want to do things."

Corsham chairman John Gingell revealed having no contact from Lock or Herbert yet, but would welcome any investment.

He said: "Obviously we would be grateful and would snap their hands off. They are good lads."

Gingell admitted to being frustrated by the lack of extra cash from local businesses.

"There is nobody in Corsham who has money, most of the firms are trying to keep their heads above water," he said. "We've done fliers in previous years but got no response. We have a few loyal sponsors in the programme but there is no big money around.

"We always look every year but there is nobody who employs thousands with the money."

Lock believes the club have the potential to get bigger but have to work at it.

He said: "They have proven they can stay at the level they are at now and if they want to take the next step, they need to attract local businesses.

"They need to go out and find them to sell the club. Melksham Town generate more business, I think Corsham have realised that and businesses like mine are prepared to help."