ACCRINGTON Stanley bosses are in early stage talks about buying the Crown Ground.

The club says that although it is only a far-off possibility at this stage, it has been in discussions with land-owners Hyndburn Borough Council about the feasibility of the plan.

Reds’ chiefs say that should they purchase the ground, it would not be re-mortgaged or borrowed against, but used as a ‘tangible asset’, which would allow them to attract more investment.

The news came as club directors said it had been saved from the threat of bankruptcy. Details of a limited share issue package to secure their future long term were also unveiled.

Chief executive Rob Heys said plans to purchase the ground were at a ‘very early discussion stage’.

He said: “There’s no decision, but it would give us more stablity and a tangible asset going forward.

“It would be at least 12 months before we would be able to purchase the land in any case.”

Other plans include a £250 share package aimed at individuals, companies or organisations which is now available.

The package includes one individually listed B share, copies of financial accounts and 10 flexi match tickets.

With two weeks left in which to pay off a £308,000 tax bill, Mr Heys revealed that local businessmen have offered the club short-term loans of £50,000, added to £150,000 in donations and £100,000 invested by directors including joint chairman Dave O’Neill.

Mr Heys said: “Accrington Stanley has a bright future and the club will survive.

“But we need continued support to make sure we do not have finacial problems in the future.”

A fundraising match against Blackburn Rovers on Tuesday saw a bumper crowd of 2,453 turn up to swell the coffers.

It is expected that further fundraising events will raise at least £50,000.

And the offer from local businessmen will take the club up to the £308,000 mark ahead of the October 28 deadline, the directors said.

Mr Heys said: “The money was always going to come and we didn’t want it to be down to the last few days.

"Individuals have come forward to make up the extra money in the form of short term loans and will be repaid within three months.”