by Adam Williams

Two friends are playing more than just fantasy football as their online investment in a Welsh club continues to flourish.

Stuart Miller and Nick Thompson set up Five Pound Football Club (FPFC) in May 2010, and today more than 600 global members play their part in the growing success of Monmouth Town FC.

Before deciding to buy a 10% stake in The Kingfishers, who ply their trade in Division 2 of the Welsh League, Stuart and Nick scoured leagues all over the UK and Europe to find their perfect investment.

He said: “The idea was to form an online community of football fans, keen to invest in a grassroots club and take them as far as we could. A bit like playing the computer game Championship Manager, but this time with real money.

“The plan is to own 51% of the club over the next three years and raise the club’s profile even more.

“In our first year, there’s been a promotion on the field from Division 3 and the team are currently unbeaten this season, with a commanding lead at the top of Division 2.

“We chose Wales as we would have a stronger return. Monmouth Town are a club who can really benefit from the extra investment and the expertise of our members. After we made offers to 581 clubs, it came down to a vote between Monmouth and nearby Cwmbran Celtic. The majority voted for Monmouth and the rest is history.”

Stuart, an accountant of Old Park Court, Canterbury, and creative designer Nick, of Gladstone Road, Folkestone, have built up the club’s website to include in-depth reports and video match highlights. The pair have even struck a deal to produce replica shirts.

In the year ahead, FPFC hope to expand the club’s infrastructure and commercial clout.

Stuart added: “The standard of the ground is good enough for Division 1, but not the Welsh Premier Division, which is something we need to look at should we get back-to-back promotions.

“Also, it’s about opening the club to the wider community, getting some new sponsors on board, encouraging more youngsters to play and watch so we can leave a true, lasting legacy.”