THE Accrington Stanley Supporters’ Fund yesterday submitted a formal proposal for a stake in the club – and are hopeful that a deal may be completed next week.

Peter Shaw, who chairs the Hyndburn Local Strategic Partnership, has been unveiled as the fund’s chairman and met with Stanley chief Dave O’Neill yesterday morning to deliver a letter outlining their proposals.

The fund, which was set up before the club managed to adjourn winding up proceedings last month, has financial backing from Surrey-based businessman Ilyas Khan but decided to revamp its proposals after O’Neill took over the day-to-day running of Stanley from former chairman Eric Whalley.

Khan had previously suggested that the fund were due to offer around £250,000 for a controlling stake of the club, with the offer conditional on Stanley issuing new shares.

Instead, it is now understood that they are seeking a minority stake in Stanley and may be keen to take up O’Neill on his suggestion for a fan to join the club’s board.

Shaw, a 73-year-old lifelong Stanley fan who has experience of chairing a number of charitable organisations, said: “We want to work with the club to help them move forward.

“I met with Dave O’Neill two weeks ago and again yesterday. We’ve made a proposal and we’re just waiting for a response now.

“We’ve got a meeting next Wednesday evening and we’ve invited Dave O’Neill and the other directors from the club.

“Hopefully we will have news once that meeting has taken place.”

The fund are still hopeful of bringing cricket personality David Lloyd on board, although no further progress has yet been made on that subject.

Khan, whose brother Idris will be the fund’s treasurer, said: “I’m very pleased with the way the fighting fund and the club are moving forward.

“I’m very optimistic we can work something out.”

Ian Cartledge and Robert Houseman have also been unveiled as directors of the new fund, while Shabir Siddiq will act as secretary.