ANDY KING would love to further strengthen his squad before the end of the campaign and hopes the Red Army Fund will provide him with timely funds to secure the player who could make a crucial promotion impact.

The County Ground boss is an advocate of the 'strengthen when you're strong' approach and he admits a surge of support for the RAF can only aid Town's promotion bid.

The scheme was established in the summer, with the specific aim of generating extra funds for the Town boss to bring in new players.

King is acutely aware that many fans already play a key role in the club's fortunes by simply coming through the turnstiles on a regular basis and he is not looking for donations from those who cannot afford it.

However, pledges from the business community and those willing and able to contribute would certainly help him to strike while the play-off iron is hot.

King has made it clear that he would instantly dip into the pot once a sufficient amount exists to bring in a fresh face on a permanent basis.

He said: "It could be the £50,000 which brings in the player which makes the difference in terms of bringing the success we all want to this football club.

"Of course, it's a case of 'help me now' because we might not be fourth in the league this time next year."

As a former commercial manager, King feels the time is right for businesses to jump aboard.

He said: "If there are businesses out there who have Swindon Town at heart, and are looking to invest, this is the best opportunity in the four years that I've been here, to do so.

"The club is now on a more level footing, people are being paid on time and we are paying our bills.

He said: "We're in fourth spot, in a great position now to have a push.

"When you're 12th or 13th at this time and know your season isn't going to end in promotion or relegation, you can start looking at building for the following season.

"With the position we're in, we need the injection now. If they (the RAF) could get a large sum together by next Friday or next week, or the week after for example, I'd bring someone in, make no mistake.

Tony Norris, one of the RAF founders, said: "Jerel Ifil has highlighted what a difference one player can make. We just need that final push towards a play-off place. It could be the difference between seventh and sixth spot."