FANATICAL followers of Accrington Stanley could be bidding to take a leaf out of Ebbsfleet United's book and put the running of their beloved Reds firmly into their own hands.

Stanley are currently in the top five of a list of clubs that fans throughout the country want to buy, according to ThePeoplesClub.com website.

Blue Square Premier side Ebbsfleet made history earlier this month when the club was taken over by the online bidders of rival website myfootballclub.

Now People's Club creator Simon Lassam, 29, aims to persuade up to 40,000 fans to shell out £39 each for an equal share of a football club to be chosen by the fans' consortium.

Simon said: ''In seven weeks, we have already had 600 people sign up, and are on schedule to raise £1 million before the end of this season. £1 million might only buy you a box at Stamford Bridge for a season, but it goes a long way in the lower leagues. Ownership belongs in the hands of true football supporters. Being part of a fans consortium is not fantasy football – it is reality football."

ThePeopleClub claims the number of registrations so far means it is on target to have funds available to buy a club before the end of the 2007/8 season.

It promises members full involvement and an equal say in making key decisions on and off the pitch, including having a say in team selection, transfers, ground development, and youth team affairs.

More information on the People's Club can be found at www.thepeoplesclub.com .

WHAT do you think? Would it be good for Stanley to be taken over in this way, or do you think that Stanley should remain a club run from its own community? Click on 'Submit comments' to give us your thoughts.