“NOW is the time” for everyone associated with Dorchester Town to really show their support for the club as a new chapter in its 135-year history begins, according to chairman Matt Lucas.

The Magpies are now operating as a fully fledged Community Benefit Society (CBS), meaning that the fans can become part-owners of the club and have a direct influence on its future.

Those who take up membership will be able to vote on important decisions, elect new board members each year, and stand for election to the board themselves.

“It’s all up and running,” said Lucas. “It’s great because all things that are good about the club are under the one umbrella.

“You’ve got the club, the Ability Counts team, the youth set-up and the previous majority shareholders putting their collective efforts into Dorchester Town FC.

“It means that every single supporter who becomes a member will have a say in the running of the club.

“Everyone gets a vote and that has got to be a good thing.”

He continued: “We couldn’t sit around and wait for an individual with lots of money to come in and run the club.

“We’ve gone out and done something about it, and it’s been a long time in getting everybody together to do what we have.

“Now everyone has got to get behind it and work hard to build on what we have.

“And there is no better way of doing that than people becoming members of the CBS.

“Now is the time that we all must push on and get behind our club for it to be as competitive as it can be.”

Those becoming members will receive further benefits, including money off the price of a season ticket.

Meanwhile, as a gesture of goodwill to existing shareholders, those with 1,000 or more shares are to be offered complimentary life-long membership.

A statement released by the club reads: “Supporter-led clubs are some of the most progressive clubs in English football at present.

“We all have ambitious plans for the club, and taking inspiration from fellow supporter-owned clubs such as Exeter City, AFC Wimbledon and even Portsmouth, by putting supporters and community at the heart of our club, we’re showing that fans can have a powerful say in the way football should be run.

“The more members we have, the louder our collective voice will be.”

Visit dorchestertowncfc.uk to find out more on how you can help shape the future of Dorchester Town.