Vaulting ambition

Alfie Best, the flamboyant millionaire who has taken over Isthmian League outfit East Thurrock United, wants to see the third tier Corringham-based club reach the Football League.

He paid a seven figure sum for a 50 per cent share in the club and the freehold of the Rocks ground.

He appears to have the readies, as he is in the Sunday Times rich list. However, we have been here before with Billericay Town and Gretna and it did not end well. AFC Fylde have failed to realise their ambitions. Admittedly, Fleetwood Town did make the grade.

Best has a portfolio of businesses including Europe's largest static homes company. He visited the ground by helicopter.

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