HALSTEAD Town are hoping they can build a following in the USA after receiving support from across the Atlantic.

Humbugs fan Bob Halstead, who is from North Carolina, has become a follower of the Milbank Stadium outfit after carefully researching his family history.

Halstead first learnt of Bob’s support when he sent a request for merchandise from the club’s popular online shop.

Bob’s purchases from the shop were duly despatched and he proudly wore them when he attended the recent ‘She Believes’ cup match between USA and Brazil.

He said: “Since you may be wondering why an American knows about Halstead Town FC, I found it through a combination of genealogy and a recent interest in football.

“I was fortunate enough to trace my paternal line back 28 generations and it ends in Halstead, Essex, circa 1100 AD. In the interim, eight successive generations were from Burnley, so I’ve become a supporter of that club as well.

‘I follow HTFC on matchdays via the Twitter feed as well as getting regular updates via the Website.”

Halstead Town committee member David Williamson said: “We hope Bob generates lots of interest in the Humbugs and that this is the start of a new group of followers in the USA.

“Cheers for getting in touch Bob and we hope you enjoy your purchases and continue to follow the coverage on Twitter, when we eventually are able to play again!”

Like many non-league clubs during the pandemic, Halstead have had to find additional ways to supplement their income as well as maintain the strong bonds between club and supporters.

Their ‘Humbugs online shop’ has proved tremendously popular with items such as hats, scarves and mugs being sold.