On going into Administration Mark Howell of the ISA said: "This was to be expected. The main hope is that they don't give the players away – that we get a fair price for them and don't just bite their hands off if they are offering £10,000. If we want then money then this is one of the things administration brings. It is sad but inevitable – it is better than the club just closing. At least we have got a fighting chance."

If City can get into the winning habit at home, then a serious promotion push would be on the cards. The 2-0 victory over Torquay is Chester's only home success in six attempts but City's terrific away form has kept them in touch with the top and we are currently just six points behind league leaders Brentford. Chester are expected to be unchanged tonight as Chris Priest is still troubled with a hamstring injury.

Meanwhile PFA player spokesman Nick Richardson has reassured fans that the current squad wont be splitting up if at all possible. "We had a meeting on Friday and were told that firing wasn't an option if the club went into administration. We want to stick together because we think we've got a good side here. None of the players want to go and I don't think any of them have been tapped up by other clubs. We're unbeaten in six, the lads are playing with confidence and we're only six points behind the leaders; and that's not bad going considering what's been happening off the field."

Saturday's attendance of just under 4,000 was a tremendous response to a lot of hard work that's gone into promoting the club over the last few weeks. Any potential buyer will be aware of the groundswell of support that the city is capable of producing. The longest travelling spectator was no doubt Alan Hind who flew all the way from Australia to attend the match in view of City's predicament. The 30 year old has lived in Australia for four years and said: "I have a great affection for this little club, and if this is to be their last game in the football league, then I had to be here"

Tomorrow night (court case pending!) Chester are at home to Hartlepool United in the third division. Once again a large attendance, 2,500+ would help City's cause and impress any potential backer.

The ISA's Mike Fair said about 15-20 Blues fans trekked around the city putting up posters in shop windows and handing out leaflets promoting the match "They hit Foregate Street, Eastgate Street, Frodsham Street and other main streets in Chester and said the response was incredible," said Mike. "Granada TV were out filming with us yesterday and BBC are doing something today so if the club does not make it through the crisis it will not be due to a lack of effort. There is nothing more we can do now. It is down to the people of Chester to come to the Deva and support Chester City Football Club,"

The Independent Supporters Club have also sent out letters to every councilor; urging them to back their local club. Every councilor in Chester and neighbouring Flintshire will receive a letter. And the ISA's Mike Fair warned that fans will not forget their absence come next year's local elections in April. Posted to 60 councilors, the letter reads: "As many of your constituents are Chester City supporters, it might be a good opportunity for you to indicate your support of the club by showing your presence tomorrow. It is important to many Chester people that the club continues to have a representation in the Football League and we are doing all we can to retain our league status."

Meanwhile good news comes from Preston-based corporate rescue company Begbies Traynor who have already received enquiries from potential buyers for the club and will continue to try and clinch a deal over the weekend.

This is the last, and most important chance before Monday's court appearance, to back the efforts of both the players and staff at the club and the ISA for galvanising a tremendous fighting spirit amongst the City fans over recent weeks. Mr Acland explained: "The more people that turn up to the match on Saturday will show the judge on Monday that it is a going concern and will allow me successfully to ask for some more time before the club is wound up."

At the meeting, ISA chairman Mark Howell, called on everyone present to "pepper" the city with leaflets and posters, produced by the supporters group and the Chester Evening Leader. "We will not rest until every single person living in Chester knows about what is going on at the club. We should put leaflets and posters everywhere, libraries, chippies, hair dressers, pubs, restaurants; everywhere we touch," he said.

At the end of the meeting hundreds of die hard Blues lined up to sign the Chester Evening Leader petition and pledged their support to the ISA's election-style campaign in the run-up to Saturday's crucial match. Mr Howell added: "The situation has been described as dire but I personally think that is an understatement."

So it's up to us to do our bit now. Get as many of your friends down to the ground as possible. All those dormant fans who haven't been for ages – their presence is required. ISA members have been busy leafleting the streets of Chester all day today, and will continue tomorrow and Saturday morning in an effort to drum up support.

The following statement has been issued today by City chairman Mark Guterman.

I have announced this morning that I am looking to put Chester City Football Club into Administration.

Since putting the club up for sale over two months ago I have been in negotiation with a number of potential buyers for the club.

I have been very close to finalising a deal for the club but unfortunately this finally broke down last evening due to the prospective purchaser's existing commitments.

I now believe that the only way forward for Chester City is the route of Administration. Accordingly, I have appointed Begbies Traynor & Co to pursue this route. We are also being advised by Evershed's the Manchester Solicitors.

Like David Lloyd of Hull City Football Club, I have personally put more money into Chester City FC that any other individual in the club's history. I have continued to put money into the club despite announcing three months ago that I would not. Enough is enough.

I have constantly read in the local press about local individuals who want to put money into the club. Now is their opportunity.

As soon as a buyer is found through the Administration route, or other solution is obtained I will step down as chairman of the club.

PRESS RELEASE FROM BEGBIES TRAYNOR & Co
We have recently received formal instructions to advise the Club as to the most suitable route with its current financial predicament.

The Club faces a Winding-Up Petition, due to be heard on Monday 19 October 1998. If a Winding-Up Order is made, the Club will be in liquidation, the effect of which is that it will cease to trade from that date. In order to avoid the closure of the Club, consideration is being given by the directors to petition for an Administration Order and we are currently reviewing the financial position of the Club and, importantly, the trading projections to the end of the 1998/99 league programme.

The administration route is only a viable rescue option if the support of various parties can be obtained including the Football League.

From our initial review, the financial projections reveal a significant cash deficit. Whilst we can identify a number of potential cost cutting measures, even if such measures were implemented immediately, the Club is in dire need of a substantial cash injection and we would ask that any parties interested in either investing in or acquiring the Club, make contact with us at the earliest possible opportunity.

On Sunday Chester visit Underhill to play Barnet (ko 3pm). Luke Beckett is expected to start the game with John Murphy up front. Julian Alsford may turn out for the home side providing he recovers from a knock. Alsford, who has a property in north London, is on a loan period with the Bees after having trials with Walsall and Lincoln and is hoping to make the move permanent.

Live full match commentary from Sunday's game will be broadcast on Radio Merseyside. Roger Hughes (Head of Sport at Radio Merseyside) would like to hear from Chester fans regarding this and if people are happy (and he gets positive feedback) he's promised to run other live commentaries in the future.

Rod Thomas said: "I don't know what the fee is but I'd like to think that any money the club makes would go towards paying the players wages. It's sickening what's happening at clubs like Chester where players aren't getting paid; and all you hear is people from the Premiership moaning about money. Despite the problems the team spirit at Chester was brilliant and I was happy there. And I'd just like to say thanks to the fans for the support, thanks to the staff and thanks to the manager, who has been brilliant with me."

Northampton director Brian Lomax gave a revealing insight to The Evening Leader of what happens when a football club goes into administration.