FORMER England striker Mick Harford is showing his support for Harpenden Town Football Club’s bid to raise �30,000 to give its facilities at Rothamsted Park a major facelift to avoid relegation.

Since launching its appeal last month to redevelop the clubhouse and sports pavilion, Harpenden Town has raised over �3,500.

To avoid relegation from the Spartan South Midlands League First Division on a ground grading technicality, it needs to commission an �80,000 project over the summer.

After being promised support from St Albans district council and the FA ground improvement to the tune of �50,000 in funding, the club has set about raising the remaining �30,000.

Lead fundraising organiser Iain Sinnott said he was delighted to receive additional support from “local football legends” such as Mick, a Harpenden resident.

The club is to host an event where some lucky town residents will be able to pull on a shirt and play on the first team pitch with and against former professional football stars.

Mick said: “Football has obviously been a massive part of my life and I have been lucky enough to make it a career as well as a passion, but grass roots football and clubs like Harpenden Town are key to igniting ambition in young players and keeping the sport part of the community.

“It is sad to see the struggle the guys are having to raise the funds to save the club and as a Harpenden man I am only too pleased to throw my weight behind the project.”

Those hoping to pit football skills against Mick and other legends will need to pledge �500 or more towards the campaign.

Iain advised competition hopefuls to get their bid in early, “as it will be on a first come, first served basis”.

Details of the full celebrity line-up will be announced when dates are confirmed, with the event likely to be held at the end of this season.

Iain said that for the less physically-minded there is a chance to have the Centenary stand named after them.

He explained: “For any individual, family or business pledging �100 or more, including those who have done so already, we will enter them into a draw, the winner of which will have their name on the stand for at least the next five years.”

For more information about the club’s refurbishment bid see www.harpendentownfootballclub.co.uk