GRAYS Athletic have announced the club now has enough money to build a community stadium in the area.

Blues revealed this morning that, following the support of election candidates Tim Aker (UKIP) and Polly Billington (Lab), the club can now facilitate a move back to Grays after leaving the New Recreation Ground in 2010 following the club’s resignation from the Conference.

However, the move depends on Thurrock Council - with board members saying that if the authority can provide suitable land and planning permission in Grays, they are ready to build a new stadium and have the funds at their disposal.

An article on the club’s website said “if the relevant parties and council are serious and wish to move forward, the club are ready to meet with the council and are prepared to put forward plans to build a reasonable size community stadium - a stadium that the people of Grays and Thurrock can be proud of and one we can finally call home.”

“It’s time now for every Grays Athletic fan to stand up and be counted.

“Everyone involved at Grays Athletic is determined to build a community based football club in Grays and the building of a new community stadium will enable the club to build strong ties with the people of Grays and Thurrock as a whole.

“We are ready to move the club home and we look forward to further discussions with Thurrock Council and the relevant councillors.”

Grays announced earlier in the year that they would be spending next season at their home for the last two seasons, Aveley’s Mill Field ground.

The news will act as a boost for the club, who are in the final play-off position in the Ryman Premier League with only three games remaining, and compete in Ryman League Cup final on Wednesday.