Exeter City sign young striker Elliott Chamberlain

Exeter City fans have clubbed together to sign a new player for the club for the fourth year running - funding the arrival of striker Elliott Chamberlain.

The Wales Under-21 international, 20, who started his career at Leicester, began last season at Stockport before another month on loan at AFC Telford.

Chamberlain's wages will be met by a group of 60 Grecians supporters.

They contribute monthly payments to the Exeter Exiles administered 1931 Fund, whose investment now tops £50,000.

"This is the 10th season in which City fans have been proud to boast that they own their football club," said Exeter City chief executive Julian Tagg.

"This signing is further proof that we're all still pulling together to make our club a success."

Exeter manager Paul Tisdale is also delighted the fans have helped the club bring in Chamberlain following his release by Leicester City earlier in the summer.

"In 2009, they first asked about funding an extra player," said Tisdale. "We'd just been promoted to League One and they wanted to help us cope with the step up.

"Now that we've had to take our first backward step with relegation to League Two, they're doubling the money they're putting in because they appreciate how we need their backing now.

"The key qualities you want from supporters are loyalty, an understanding of the position the club is in, a genuine will to win and a ready eagerness to provide whatever support they can to help their team.

"As everybody knows by now, Exeter City followers do not lack those qualities."