The Third Division club were placed in voluntary administration on Wednesday amid spiralling debts and they could play their last league match against Swansea next month if they do not find a buyer.

City are now in the hands of administrators Jacksons Jolliffe Cork, who are working towards avoiding liquidation by finding a buyer before the deadline of January 18, when funding will run out.

And Batchelor has asked the fans to show their support in this time of crisis by making each home game a sell-out, starting with Friday night's clash with Lincoln.

'It is in everybody's best interests that the ground is full for home games between now and the end of the season,' he said.

'Since the collapse of the transfer market, a full ground is the best hope for everybody.'

In a boost to the rescue bid, City's players have agreed to play without receiving payment from the club for the period of administration.

'We are absolutely delighted by the players' reaction on and off the pitch,' said a club spokesman.

'A good on-pitch performance will help the administrators find a buyer, as the league position obviously helps. It is better to be nearer the top of the table than in the bottom two when you are looking for investment.

'And the administrators are helped by the gesture of playing without receiving money from the club.'