Annan Athletic fans want to arm new boss Wullie Gibson with a £20,000 war chest as he readies his first squad for action.

The manager is working to secure summer signings after being named as successor to Peter Murphy just over a week ago.

Members of the Annan Athletic Supporters' Club (AASC) are going all-out to bolster those efforts - including by working with the Galabank board to secure the rights to name the ground's covered terrace next season.

And they issued a rallying cry for fans to unite behind them as they launched their "Wullie's War Chest" drive to help reach their fundraising target.

News and Star: Annan are asking fans to back new boss Wullie Gibson's recruitment effortsAnnan are asking fans to back new boss Wullie Gibson's recruitment efforts (Image: Rob Carter)

AASC vice-chairman Ross Johnstone said: "We aim to raise between £15,000 and £20,000 as additional funds to help Wullie with transfers and associated costs.

"We’re asking supporters for monthly contributions to the fund - however large or small - from August until May.

"With the help from those who feel able to, we hope to give the manager a great launch pad for his first season.

"We've already had tremendous support for Wullie's War Chest from our members before the launch and hope the wider fan community can get behind us too. We know this can make a real difference to the team on the pitch."

Last night the Galabankies said the appeal had already had an "amazing response" with £17,370 already raised.

AASC hopes to partner with a business or individual on its sponsorship of the terracing, in tandem with its wider War Chest push.

It will also be the back-of-the-shirt sponsor of the Galabankies’ home and away kits next season.

Annan chairman Russell Brown said: "The supporters' club is doing a great job. Everyone at the club is really grateful for the difference its members are making.

"We're delighted to be working with them on this initiative, which will undoubtedly strengthen our hand as Wullie assembles a squad to help us build on the season past and cement our place as a League One club."

AASC was reformed last season and has played a key role in boosting Annan's support on the road by providing affordable away travel, as well as supporting  the club in other ways.

It contributed £6,000 to help with player wages in the second half of last season as the Black and Golds dramatically secured League One survival following their historic promotion a year ago.

The supporters’ club took over Annan’s matchday 50:50 Draw, as well as holding other fundraising events.

For details about how to contribute to Wullie's War Chest, email AAFCSupClub@hotmail.com.