Yesterday the club, which has debts of more than £2 million, was listed in a High Court hearing involving the Inland Revenue and a statement is expected later today over the result.

The league has set the teatime deadline to meet its conditions for entry to its Division One North next season.

But the continued lack of open dialogue has prompted one long-standing Town fan to urge the consortium of businessmen that has been funding the club to quit.

Accountant David Butterick, 59, of Rastrick, a former member of Halifax Town Supporters' Trust, said it was time for fans to take control. He said a business plan drawn up by the trust was workable and the problem with start-up funds could be overcome with community support.

He added: "What the consortium has achieved is the worst league position in Halifax Town's history in nearly 100 years.

"Every decision it has made has been the wrong one."

Mr Butterick said the decision to change the club logo, increase admission charges and the failure to be open with fans had knocked 20 to 25 per cent off the club's gates.

"They have eroded the supporters base. They do not seem to understand the fans are the biggest asset the club has.

"The best thing the consortium could do is pack it in."

Mr Butterick said the Unibond League had hinted they would take an alternative application from the supporters' trust.

"That is the way forward," he said. "There is more experience on the terraces than in the boardroom. What should be happenning now is the renewing of enthusiasm, selling season tickets and what is happening? Nothing."

Trust acting chairman Allan Baker said it was a sad state of affairs but the club's troubled history could not all be blamed on the consortium.