Eric Cantona backs Bath City community scheme buyout

Eric Cantona has backed a community scheme to buyout non-League side Bath City.

The former Manchester United man has put his support behind plans to help the National League South side, becoming a shareholder.

In online video, the Frenchman said: "Great news, the fans of Bath City are buying the club. I'm supporting them, and buying a share myself. You must support them too, it's a great club."

The Big Bath City bid was launched last month and the group aims to raise between £750,000 and £1.25m for both the takeover and clearing the club's debts.

Steve Bradley, BBCB spokesman, told the Western Daily Press: "We would urge anyone who wants to help give Bath the football club it deserves to follow Eric's example and buy shares today."

The campaign has already received support from actor Ricky Tomlinson and with the scheme moving to a crowd-funding model, the fans hope that they can raise the money needed.