Because the club has not yet been liquidated following the failure of its administration proposals it technically still exists.

The consortium funding the club have approached the Conference with a view to reforming the club rather than starting from scratch.

Whether that is possible remains to be seen with football rules and legal hurdles to overcome.

If it is possible, the club could start next season in the Football Conference rather than dropping down the league pyramid, and would involve the consortium paying a sum of money to the administrators for the company's assets.

Mike Appleby, league manager for the FA, said he was aware of a submission to the Conference board which is meeting now.

"We will be clearer today as far as the Conference is concerned," he said.

If the consortium's plans can't be progressed and the businessmen decide they don't wish to run a club in a lower league an alternative application to form a new club by Halifax Town Supporters' Trust will come into play.

Mr Appleby said the 22 clubs playing next season in the Northern Premier League Premier Division (Unibond League) will be known later today.

It is unlikely that will be increased to 23 to accommodate a Halifax club but space does exist in the NPL First Division due to restructuring.

Next season the division will be increased from 18 teams to 20 teams and that is the likely place for a new Halifax team - provided games can be played at the Shay.

Mr Appleby said whichever of the two groups have access to the Shay will be in the driving seat and the consortium currently has access as the lease is with Halifax Town.

"If the trust could not have access to the Shay they would have to look at the North Counties East League but we are not in that position and no final decision will be made on Halifax yet," said Mr Appleby.

For a Halifax team to start next season all the problems will have to be sorted by the middle of next month.

Trust chairwoman Pam Burton has put her faith in the consortium.

"I would hope the consortium can do what they want to do," she said.

"My understanding is there will be a football team."