Non-league chairman will pay £2 to fans who attend Hull United's opening match

Offer is for the first home match of the season

The chairman of non-league side Hull United AFC will pay £2 to every fan who attends the club's first home match.

Jamie Waltham, who also plays for the side, is offering the money as an incentive to potential fans who may not otherwise be interested in watching football in the 11th tier of the football pyramid.

Hull United will play Hedon Rangers at Dene Park tonight at 7.30pm and Waltham will put his hand in his pocket to get people inside the ground - Under-16s will get in free.

"I have long believed our city deserves a top non-league side inside the Hull boundary, which can provide an alternative and more affordable level of football to Hull City," the 33-year-old told the Hull Daily Mail.

"Everyone is very proud of the lofty heights they've now reached, but it means being able to afford a ticket isn't always a possibility for everyone.

"That's why we want to pay people to come and watch our first league game.

"We want them to come and see if it is something they may enjoy. If they like it, we hope they will come again.

"The more people that turn up the better – even if it costs me more money."

The club will also be selling pints for just £2 and will be handing out free tickets for HullFest a music festival at the stadium this weekend.

"I want to give that incentive and they might come back again in the future to watch the team," he added. "It's not a bad standard and the attitude of the squad has been fantastic.

"The first league game [a 3-0 win at Hessle Rangers] was fantastic and I was buzzing all weekend. Even weeding at the pitch on the Sunday, I had a smile on my face."