Tranmere Rovers could have new owners by the beginning of next year, after the supporters trust urged fans to help them take over the club.
The trust, which launched the campaign in August 2011, introduced a new vision and business plan to fans before the home game against MK Dons on Saturday.
The group has secured the services of former West Ham United finance director Nick Igoe to provide financial advice and have set a target of £500,000 to be raised by December 31 2013.
It is thought that £100,000 has already been raised.
In an interview with JMU Journalism, Ben Harrison, chairman of the supporters trust, stated that the time is ripe for the club to be purchased.
He said: “Tranmere last changed hands 26 years ago to take us out of administration and the time has come for it to happen again.”
He added that the trust were the only party to show an official interest in purchasing the club and urged supporters to donate to the fund, in order to prove to the chairman Peter Johnson that the project is a viable option.
Harrison urged fans to consider donating to the fund. He said: “If the club was to fall into trouble, you wouldn’t want to look in the mirror and think you could have helped.”
Many clubs across the world are now owned by their supporters, including European giants Real Madrid and local clubs Chester and Wrexham. Harrison feels that the club can follow in a similar direction.
He said: “The club needs to stand on its own two feet and we have a five to 10 year-plan to take it forward.”
However, he admitted that the trust would still be open to offers from businessmen who they were confident would be able to take the club forward.
He said: “If someone was to come in and unveil their business plan for the club to the supporters, we’d all embrace it.”
Fans can support the bid by signing up for membership, ranging from £50 to £500. Details about the project and fund raising can be found at www.tranmereroverstrust.co.uk