THE future of Winchester City Football Club looks to have been secured for the immediate future.

The club’s members vote unanimously last Friday to dissolve itself as a members’ club and instead become a limited company led by a six-strong consortium of local business people.

The move would appear to give the 124-year-old club – one of the oldest in Hampshire – some breathing space as it struggles with debts of £95,000.

Ralph Elliott, has been elected chairman with his son, Robbie, recently appointed first-team manager.

A statement issued by the new chairman called on fans to back the club, currently languishing at the foot of the Southern League: “We call on all Winchester City supporters to keep supporting your club and with your support we will have a bright future.

“Now the process of recovery will begin. We know this will be long and hard in these difficult times.

“We need to put all that has happened in the past behind us and all pull together to put our club back where it belongs – on top.

“We all want the same for this great club. As with any building, this club has got great foundations and a group of dedicated people, old and new, willing and able to build on those foundations to ensure our club’s survival.”

Fans said they were impressed by the consortium’s plans. Rod Youngman said: “They gave a good presentation and have the goodwill of the club at heart.”

Winchester City’s next home game is against North Leigh on Saturday.