But the authority remains optimistic that a football team will be playing games at the ground next season.

Cabinet member with responsibility for regeneration and development David Kirton said he was concerned over the football club's plight.

"But as far as I am concerned it will not stop us going forward with the completion of the Shay stadium," he said.

"We will be discussing that with the Shay Stadium Trust.

"We all want to see the club going forward as it would be sad to see the end of football but we are none the wiser at what will happen.

"The consortium are not saying a right lot, if anything, but I do not see a reason why a football team can't play at the Shay.

"Whichever group comes forward it would have to be viable."

Councillor Kirton said he would be talking to all those involved in developing the stadium following the council's recent annual meeting.

And, once the football club's future was known he was optimistic progress could be made on the soccer front.

"We are waiting for the consortium to say what its proposals are before we can move forward," said Coun Kirton.