City's players began pre-season training today after crunch talks at Valley Parade.

The squad emerged without comment from a meeting with the adminstrators just after 11am.

But boss Colin Todd, who sat down with the players to keep them informed with breaking developments, was in an upbeat mood.

He said: "I had a chat with the players. They are obviously disappointed about what is going on but we spoke about football and the importance of sticking together as a group and let's see what transpires from that.

"The important factor is to get back out on the training ground. Whatever goes on it is vital that the right fitness levels are achieved. We've got to get on with our job which is concentrating on the football side and making sure we are ready for the challenge.

"But the situation seems miles better and the mood is pretty hopeful. We decided to go training to blow some cobwebs away and get some of this out of the system."

Todd was appointed manager just a fortnight ago and cannot believe how suddenly the situation hit critical point.

He said: "I don't know exactly what has gone on but a lot of responsibility must lie with the administrators. When I spoke to them two weeks ago, everyone was positive and there was a sense of relief about the place.

"I was told there would be a small budget there, although obviously a lot depended on the size of gates. But there were definite assurances that this club could get through the season.

"But they still hadn't got to the bottom of what was going to happen with the stadium and that should have been a priority. I still don't know the situation about pre-season friendlies although the squad is obviously depleted."

City's threadbare squad is likely to diminish further with the news that Kilmarnock are closing in on Alan Combe, the only senior keeper left at the club.

It is understood that the Scottish keeper is close to agreeing terms with Jim Jefferies' side and a return north of the border could be sealed imminently.

Defender Mark Bower said: "On the first day of pre-season you should be looking forward to catching up with the lads, seeing a few new faces and preparing for the first game. Instead we've got this situation which is devastating."

City are due to play their first pre-season fixture in just eight days' time when they travel to Harrogate Town.