The eye-catching proposal - aimed at raising at least £1m - is likely to be discussed at a strategically vital board meeting on Monday when manager Brian Laws is expected to be given the go-ahead for a new deal.

And - amid recognition from all sides that takeover prospects are remote - the appointment of an interim chairman will also be on the agenda to give the club the voice they have lacked since Dave Allen quit a year ago.

The recent reconciliation between the club and Wednesdayite means the board are open-minded to ideas from the fan group. In return, the group's chairman Darryl Keys is unconditional in his support for existing directors and convinced that the fund-raising initiative will get a fair hearing.

"We are not presenting it as a fait accompli," Keys told the Telegraph. "We have simply prepared a discussion document. It's about looking to the fan base for a solution.

"If, for instance, 10,000 fans put in £100 each then that would raise £1m."

Keys, long resigned to the Geoff Sheard enterprise failing, said: "Now that this has fallen away, I can't see any individual writing out a big cheque in the current economic climate. The only realistic way to repay debts is to get back to the Premier League. And to do that there has to be investment in the squad.

"We don't see a wealthy fan taking over the burden. But perhaps a number of them grouped together, along with supporters generally, can raise enough to make a difference. It's only an idea and we hope to get some feedback after the board meeting."

Keys believes it would help lift "a lot of apathy" as he voiced "disappointment that crowds have dropped off so much despite the team's best home form for over a decade."

Resentment over controversial ticket prices might be a barrier to the "crowd consortium" scheme considering stayaway fans believe the costs are already too high. However, realistic limits on progress might also be a factor behind the drop to around 17,000.

Plans to install a new figurehead and augment the board from the local business community are warmly welcomed by Wednesdayite in another indication of a new togetherness between club and fans.

Keys added: "People are crying out for a chairman so that there can be more communication. Some people want the board replacing but we don't support that. There has to be evolution. We'd like to see the board supplemented by another two or three people to add skills and bring a fresh approach."

An offer to extend Laws' contract for perhaps one or two seasons looks a formality with his team having buffered him with four points from two games going into tomorrow's trip to Derby.

The word on the street is that both Huddersfield - who are without a manager - and Doncaster, where Sean McAuley is under pressure, are monitoring Laws' position.

"We feel Brian has done as much as could be asked of him," said Keys. "He's dug in and deserves an extension.

"We're within spitting distance of the play-offs, which, on our resources, is quite amazing. I think it's probably a step too far to be talking of the top six but anything which adds stability has to be welcomed."

Keys is in the process of emigrating to America but intends to remain involved. Visa permitting, he hopes to launch a new business in Florida around the turn of the year. "I've told Wednesdayite that if it happens I can't remain chairman, but they would like me to stay as a director."

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