TILBURY Football Club have unveiled exciting plans for a new purpose-built stadium and clubhouse.

The Dockers revealed a first glimpse at the plans on Monday night on Twitter, with fans reacting with excitement to the news.

The proposed major upgrade to Tilbury FC’s facilities will enable the oldest club in Thurrock to “secure its long term future”.

The exciting plans include proposals for a new purpose-built community stadium with associated car parking, a new clubhouse with supporting facilities including a gym, changing rooms, a bar/cafe and a multi-purpose hall, as well as the opportunity for the all-weather pitch and the clubhouse facilities to open to the public.

The club, in partnership with Apex Platinum Investments, will hold a public consultation event prior to a pre-season friendly in July to display the emerging proposals and invite fans and residents to provide their feedback to help evolve the final proposals - which will be submitted to Thurrock Council.

Daniel Nash, chairman of Tilbury Football Club, said: “in Tilbury we’re proud of our rich history and our proposal to invest in new facilities will mean we can offer a bright future for our fans and the wider community who will also be able to enjoy them.

“These proposals are a real open goal for Tilbury and we hope that the whole community can get behind our exciting plans.”

The Dockers currently play at Chadfields in the Isthmian North league.

Ben Pearce, of Apex Platinum Investments, added: We’re Tilbury through and through so we’re delighted to be working with Tilbury FC to provide a new community stadium and supporting facilities to help the club get to the next level.

“Our proposed upgrades will deliver a fantastic boost to the local community and we hope it will encourage more and more fans to get behind The Dockers.”

Fans immediately took to social media over the moon with the news that a new stadium could be on its way.

Terry Keating tweeted: “Great news for Tilbury FC and the local community.

“Things really looking up for football in Thurrock, with Aveley FC having great new facilities, and a potential move to a new site for East Thurrock FC and Grays Athletic FC looking to build a new stadium in Grays.

“Lets hope that Thurrock Council share the vision of Tilbury FC, East Thurrock and Grays Athletic by co-operating with all three community projects.

“Add these to what’s happening at Aveley and we have a great opportunity to establish a sporting legacy for the whole borough.” Grays Athletic offered support wishing the project good luck, while Spencer Owen, of Hashtag United, and councillor Martin Kerin both tweeting support for the “fantastic news”.