Croydon FC have launched a fundraising campaign to stay afloat after a series of destructive break-ins cost the club thousands last week.

Thieves ransacked the clubhouse on Thursday morning, only to return to the arena office on Friday, making off with laptops, cash, alcohol stock and memorabilia, causing significant damage.

Already struggling financially, the club have now set up a gofundme page, appealing for the money needed to rebuild vital facilities at their 8000 seat stadium.

James Fotheringham, who plays as a defender for the semi-professional club, said: "We came in on Thursday to find the clubhouse completely turned over.

"The place was such a mess that it's been hard to know exactly how much we've lost, but we estimate it's a couple of thousand pounds worth.

"We even lost money raised for charity at a fun-run last weekend which is really disappointing.

"We've been incredibly lucky to receive a number of donations already, but we could definitely do with more."

Your Local Guardian:

The clubhouse was ransacked on Thursday

Around four men forced their way in on Thursday morning, turning the clubhouse over in search of valuables. Surprisingly, a second break in followed the morning after, this time of the arena office.

A group of charitable Brighton fans, who visited at the weekend to see their team play Crystal Palace, have already donated £2,500 to the cause.

Club volunteers joined together to fix up the facilities as best they could in preparation for this weekend's fixture.

Local MP Sarah Jones attended the game, which saw the club continue their streak of bad luck with defeat.

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Sarah Jones MP's visit

The club's charity partner, The Kinetic Foundation, is now unable to run it's community education and sport sessions safely at the site due to the building damage, stopping 50 young people from accessing educational services.

To donate, please visit the gofundme page: https://www.gofundme.com/croydon-football-club-facilities-rebuild