Chairman Geoff Huckstep took the midnight call from a man who claimed to be a staunch Nottingham supporter and is keen to discuss what role he could play in helping to rescue the club.

 

“It was a really interesting call,” he said. “It would be wrong of me to disclose too many details at this stage and but he claimed to be a successful businessman in South Africa, running an IT company, and he seemed very genuine.

 

“Apparently he lived in Southwell for many years and used to come and watch us play. He certainly knew all about us and said he was very concerned when news reached him of our situation.

 

“He is keen to meet up when he flies to England next week and we will see where it leads.

 

“But I think it is crucial to make the point that we must now allow this to deflect us from what has to be done if we are to save the club. If something comes of the meeting, that’s fine, but we need to keep pressing on - assuming that it won’t.

 

“We’ve got a momentum going and we have to build on it. The response from people in all parts of the country has been incredibly heart-warming - and the directors are now convinced it was the right move not to shut the club down.”

 

Nottingham have already received a number of donations and pledges of cash and one of them - for £500 - has come from National League One rivals Cornish Pirates.

 

Added Huckstep: “My phone has been red-hot with people wanting to discuss how they might help us.

“We’ve already had a meeting with a group of possible investors, and donations like the one we’ve had from Cornish Pirates just shows the depth of feeling there is within the game for Nottingham. It’s a fantastic gesture on their part which is very much appreciated.”

 

Nottingham need to raise an additional £150,000 between now and May - over and above their normal income - to remain in business, and Huckstep has been “overwhelmed” by the response since their plight was made public.