Criticism of its ongoing involvement in the club has led to the consortium offering to stand down and forced the resignation of trust leaders Pam Burton and Roger Bottomley.

They have thrown their support behind the consortium while the handful of remaining trust board members back a supporters' run club.

Trust spokesman Gavin Butler said it would be unwise to comment until after a meeting to discuss the latest developments.

Mrs Burton, who was trust chairwoman, said from day one consortium leader David Bosomworth had offered to step down if a better offer came along.

"The way I and Roger Bottomley feel is to go with the consortium. That man has done so much for us and can offer us a positive future," she said.

"I really have no idea if he will end up walking away."

The consortium is currently considering the possibilities of reforming the existing club which it feels would enable it to compete at a higher level than starting a new club from scratch.

Several weeks ago the trust started planning an alternative scenario in case the creditors' meeting failed, which it did, and the consortium walked away.

Those plans to form a new, supporters' owned and run Halifax Town, have been pushed forward recently due to the ongoing uncertainty.

A letter of intent has been lodged with the FA, and contact made with the FA, Unibond League, Shay Stadium Trust and Supporters Direct.

The latest trust statement released today on progress said: "It is still our belief that any new club will start in the Unibond League Division One North. The Shay Stadium Trust have confirmed the club will be able to play at the Shay.

"We have had contact with three other successful supporters owned clubs, AFC Telford, Scarborough Athletic and Stocksbridge Park Steels.

Based on their experiences and with further input from Supporters Direct we are currently putting together a 5-year budget for the new club.

"Tonight representatives of the board are meeting with Calderdale Council to outline how a supporters-run club would operate and the increased role it would play in the local community.

"The Trust board is of course aware of the continued interest of the David Bosomworth-led consortium in reforming Halifax Town. Last week we asked the consortium what dates they would be available to attend a public meeting so both parties could explain their plans for the club to as many Halifax Town supporters as possible, but we have received no
reply. We will continue to push for this to happen."