Mark Henderson, of Magic Man, wants to set up a group where individuals pledge £5,000 each in return for equal rights in any future consortium.

Mr Henderson warned Rooks fans that the present situation was so grave that the current board of directors could consider pulling out their financial support of the club as early as the end of the week.

The Sussex-based businessman met with the board earlier today to discuss the possibility of such a proposal.

Mr Henderson said, "It would seem that little has been achieved over the last few weeks since the plight of Lewes FC was brought to the public attention.

"This is partly due to the differing faction's involved and recent history of the club. The resulting mutual mistrust and suspicion of the motives of several factions has resulted in the current impasse.

"I have over the last few weeks been disappointed with the level of interest and offers of help that I have been made aware of by the board and perhaps naively expected more from the local and wider communities.

"The situation with the club is now extremely serious and a decision on its future must be made before the end of the week. With the lack of interest from others I have taken it upon myself to try and raise my own consortium whilst at the same time address some of the many issues of concern to the supporters of the club.

"I can understand in the current climate and for the reasons expressed above that many would not wish to inject either money or support to an entity they have no control over.

"It is therefore my aim to try and raise as much money as possible by the issue of shares in a newly formed limited company. The cost of these shares will be £5,000 each and no more than one share can be purchased by any individual or company so as to ensure that the shareholders have an equal say in the direction of the club.

"Similar restrictions will apply to relatives or associated groups so as to ensure that no one group can gain control of the club.

"After speaking with the board this morning I have gained encouragement and agreement to my plan as well as the co-operation, help and guidance from them to go forward. What we need now is pledges to be made by email to lewes@magicman.ltd.uk

"It is my opinion that Lewes FC has now reached the end of the line for promises, inaction and good intentions and unless sufficient pledges come forward immediately there is a reasonable chance that the current board of Directors would not wish to continue to fund the club beyond this week!

"The "Friends of Lewes FC" bank account (HSBC sort code 40-25-06 acct No. 91401858) which was originally set up by myself to receive deposits of well wishers and supporters to help pay bills of the club has received NO DEPOSITS since being opened.

"It is now to be used for the sole use of interested parties and available for deposits of 5k. Any deposits of less than this amount will be accepted as donations and to the cause but will not purchase a share in the new company."

Mr Henderson said that a meeting at the Dripping Pan would be held next Thursday, December 4, at 7pm for all interested parties. He added, "At this time I must be able to demonstrate the financial validity of the plan to the board or indeed otherwise."