The revolutionary bid to turn Leigh Genesis into a fans' co-operative club, which was launched via the social networking site last week, has already attracted more than 550 members.


They are pledging support for a buy-out of the club whose director and financial backer Dominic Speakman sensationally quit last week.
Leythers from as far afield as the USA and Norway have signed up to the scheme after learning of their home town's plight.
Andre Walker, who started the Facebook campaign, says he is aiming to get up to 1,000 members signed up before approaching the club for formal negotiations.


The 29-year-old, who is originally from Lowton and whose dad Stan has been a director of the club, said: "I think it must be a world first, a Facebook football club buy-out. Leythers past and present from across the globe are uniting.
"We don't yet know who will pay what but the people of Leigh certainly seem to want it to work.


"People who don't use a computer will also eventually have the opportunity to be involved at some stage too. I think the only way forward for the club is if ordinary people step up to the plate and say 'we are all willing to contribute a small amount to keep this going'.
"The idea is that it would essentially be a co-operative."

He already has the backing of a powerful political ally in the form of football-loving Sports Minister Andy Burnham, who has pledged his support for the scheme and vowed to put his hand in his own pocket as part of the buy-out.


Mr Burnham said: "I have been talking to the club, Leigh Sports Village and the council.
"The stadium is due to be handed over imminently and it would be sad if the club could not move in."
When the Leigh Reporter broke the news to Mr Burnham about the possibility of a supporters' co-operative he immediately expressed an interest.
"I will commit to being in," said the Leigh MP. "I have always been very involved in co-operative ownership in football and helped form Supporters Direct, which supports trusts.

"I have long said we need to keep this club alive and despite being an Everton supporter I will put my money where my mouth is!"


The cost to each investor will not be known until the final number of participants is confirmed.


Mr Walker has approached the club, who say they will consider any serious offer for Leigh Genesis.


Visit the Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=32137728345&ref=ts