SWINDON Town fan Mark Davies is spearheading a campaign to buy the club a new scoreboard. The current outdated equipment has long since bitten the dust and Davies, 25, is keen to put an end to jibes about the antiquated eyesore.

"It is a running joke at the County Ground with our own fans and the visiting supporters," he said.

"I have been an avid fan for the last 14 years and a season ticket holder for seven.

"We've had some tough times, and as a supporter you wonder what you could do to help.

"Sitting up in the terraces, you get speaking to other fans about it, and I thought a new scoreboard would be one thing to help put a smile back on everyone's face."

Now Davies, Commercial Manager of Alexander Swan in Swindon, and fellow Town follower John White, of Superior Access Solutions, are taking the pro-active approach to help the cash-strapped club.

The duo are aiming to raise the estimated £5,000 plus VAT required for a new fully-functioning facility.

Davies and White are making the most of their business contacts by writing to companies in the area asking for donations.

Fellow fans have also been invited to help the cause.

Davies said: "I'm personally writing to about 30 to 35 of our local businesses, as is John.

"We've already had some positive feedback from companies who have expressed an interest, and we will be holding a meeting at the club with the commercial manager Mike Sullivan.

"Ideally I'm looking for five companies to come up with £1,000 each, and for that they will receive a VIP day out at the club.

"We would also welcome input from like-minded supporters.

"Apathy has been the club's worst enemy, and I think it's important to create a focus for the fans to show we care about this football club."

Anyone willing to help the scoreboard campaign can contact Mark Davies on 07736 629535 or John White on 07977 068763.