HARTLEPOOL United supporters are pressing ahead with the formation of a supporters trust.

An open meeting following Saturday’s 1-0 win over Wimbledon, held in the Corner Flag, the home of the club’s supporters’ association, was attended by over 100 fans, with more than 70 registering their interest.

A second meeting is being arranged for the near future where a representative from Supporters Direct, a national organisation, will attend to advise on the next stages and help with organising the setting up of the trust.

Trust spokesman Phil Dunn said: "We were really impressed with the turnout and the passion shown by concerned Hartlepool United fans. It was extremely encouraging to be greeted by a full room and the idea of setting up a Trust seemed to be well received and welcomed.’’

"Pools fans are feeling particularly vunerable and exposed following recent events regarding the ownership of their club, and the sheer number of people turning up to the meeting shows that fans care enough to get involved.

“It's a great start and the next stage is to set up a Trust Board and Trustees to take this idea forward and hopefully have a future say in the running of Hartlepool United Football Club.’’

The club was set for a takeover in December, with owners IOR standing down and a new consortium taking over.

However, after a number of concerns were raised, chairman Ken Hodcroft and IOR pulled the plug on the deal.

The club’s chief executive Russ Green revealed at the weekend that they are still seeking new investment.

“Following the failed takeover in January, as you know the club are currently seeking investors/sponsors to take us forward,” said Green.

“We are working behind the scenes to attract new blood into the club and, to date, things are encouraging.

“One plus to this is that the club, although in a perilous league position, is of interest to investors and major sponsors because of the way things have been operated by IOR over the years.’’