There are renewed hopes that a deal can be agreed to save Dundalk Football Club amid a perilous financial situation.
The future of the Louth side looked bleak on Sunday night when the club were forced to issue a statement saying that "the next 24 hours is a critical time".
Fans had feared that the Oriel Park side were set to fold by 5pm this afternoon unless a takeover could be agreed but owner Brian Ainscough insists the fight to keep the show on the road is continuing.
"There will be no liquidation today," he said.
The Boston-based businessman confirmed that he was continuing talks with interested parties on a deal to take over the running of the 14-time League of Ireland champions.
Asked if a deal was close, Ainscough said: "I've been close to deals before and it hasn’t happened so we’ll see how it goes but I’m still fighting the fight to make sure there’s a club for everyone going forward."
It is understood that there are at least two parties interested in saving Dundalk FC, one of which involves a local businessman with no previous involvement at Oriel Park.
With debts well in excess of €1m, any deal is likely to involve the club entering the Small Company Administrative Rescue Process (SCARP) – a 45-day salvage scheme established in 2021 for insolvent companies, similar to examinership.
This would lead to debts being restructured and relegation to the First Division.
The Lilywhites, who have won five league titles, three FAI Cups and reached the Europa League group stages twice in the last decade, currently sit bottom of the Premier Division table.
Dundalk supporters were preparing to gather at Oriel Park amid the possibility of folding.
There is now at least hope for those fans.
The Lilywhites are unable to fund the rest of the league campaign through their current owner, but the club confirmed that both players and coaches had received outstanding wages last Thursday.
However, the money was issued to Dundalk by the FAI in lieu of prize money and they remain unable to finance any further salaries without aid.
As well as that, there are a number of outstanding creditors as part of their debt, including local companies, authorities and Revenue.
Boston-based businessman Ainscough only took ownership of the club last December.
He revealed last week efforts to attract more investment needed had failed, putting the club's existence into jeopardy.
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