Manchester United legend Eric Cantona has lent his support to a community share initiative hoping to complete a takeover of cash-strapped Bath City Football Club (BCFC).

Cantona is backing The Big Bath City Bid, launched in June, which aims to raise between £750,000 and £1.25m in order to complete a community takeover of BCFC and clear the club’s debts.

Cantona pledged his support for the club in an online video.

In it he said: "Great news, the fans of Bath City are buying the club. I'm supporting them, and buying a share myself. You must support them too, it's a great club - I saw it for myself.

"It’s a big challenge to raise the money, but don’t be scared. Now we can make it even greater, so help make it a great club. Buy shares - now."

The Big Bath City Bid organisers are hoping that with Cantona’s support, the campaign will reach its target and secure the future of the National League South club.

The high-profile intervention by Cantona offers a welcomed boost for the campaign, which offers shares in the club for £250. A separate crowdfunding campaign has also been launched, which has so far amassed £6,000 of a target of £55,000.

Cantona’s involvement is a result of his friendship with film director and Bath City supporter Ken Loach. The pair worked together on the 2009 hit film Looking for Eric.

For more information on the bid, click here to visit the Big Bath City Bid homepage

• BCFC was founded in 1889 and has spent its entire existence in the non-league system.