WINCHESTER City Football Club says it wants to take advantage of a potentially large fan-base in a new intiative.

A revamped website is among a whole raft of improvements planned at the club, which is based in Hillier Way.

It comes after the arrival at the Sydenhams Wessex League Premier Division club of Welsh football writer, Tony Rees, who will be pooling his knowledge with owner, Paul McCarthy.

Mr Rees says Winchester has a large potential fan-base.With around 40,000 people, it is similar in size to Yeovil, which boasts a Coca Cola League 1 team, so the Blue Square Premier League is a realistic ambition, he says.

As part of their campaign, the club, which won the FA Vase in 2004, wants to make it easier for people to learn more about them.

So it is spending £10,000 on a new website, which will feature a fans’ forum, along with more information about the team and its players.

Mr Rees said it would include such rising stars as Rhys Kelleher, once on the books of Cardiff City.

He added that the club, founded in 1884, would also be having talks with main sponsor, Denplan, to see if the company can work more closely with it in its quest for success.

The club dropped out of the Southern League last season, despite a late surge that nearly secured survival. The club is currently around 15 points off the pace in its campaign to return to the division.

What do you think? Are you a loyal fan? If not, what stops you going? Leave your comments below.