Magpies given fresh hope

It is also hoped that fresh talks with Nottingham City Council over a proposed multi-million pound lifeline will help to ensure the club's future.

Acting chairman Albert Scardino believes that the resurrection of the deal with the city and county councils - that would see them stand as guarantors to a bank loan - would be vital for the club's survival.

The Magpies' future was plunged into doubt after the city council refused to guarantee a £3.4million loan in partnership with Nottinghamshire County Council.

"What I would say is that we are in this together, to destroy this football club would be to destroy part of this city," Scardino told the Nottingham Evening Post.

"If the council are willing to negotiate, if it is possible that they may be able to guarantee a smaller loan, then great.

"It would be better if we could get the full £3.4million, but £2.5million or £2million or anything would obviously be better than coping with nothing."

A pledge of £100,000 from board members has fended off the immediate threat of administration.

But Scardino believes the Magpies need another £400,000 to keep running until the new campaign kicks-off.