Colin Todd today insisted the latest off-the-field wrangle will not put the mockers on City's season.

The club are facing up to a longer spell in administration after former chairman Gordon Gibb lodged an appeal against the rescue plan. His objection is set to go to court on October 6.

Administrators Kroll are confident the hearing will rule in their favour and are not unduly concerned by the protest.

But it does mean that Todd's bid to bring in at least two new players when the club's cash restraints are eased will have to be shelved for a while longer.

The battle-hardened City boss, though, is refusing to be down-hearted. And he is calling on everyone at Valley Parade to concentrate their efforts towards a brighter future.

He said: "Let's not dwell on this too much. We are entering a new era and the sooner the better for all of us.

"I know how some people will react in the football club to what's happened but we've got to put behind us the doom and gloom that's been at this club for a period of time.

"The club are trying to make progress and you can't do that when you hold up proceedings like this. But there is no need to press the alarm bell and that's the important thing to remember."

The City dressing room has become immune to the distractions behind the scenes and the players deferred wages right through the summer. Despite the uncertain backdrop, Todd has built a side who have already shown they are capable of holding their own in League One.

City have won four of their first nine games to defy the pre-season pundits who had them marked down as potential relegation candidates.

And fresh from their biggest win in three years, Todd does not want anyone taking their eye of the ball because of more financial rumblings.

"We are getting results on the pitch and we've got to continue to do that. We are looking to improve all the time and this is not going to stop us.

"It's typical of how Mr Gibb has conducted himself over the course of the club being in administration. I've nothing against him but for what reason he is doing this, I don't know.

"It's become a bit of an obstacle in our way at the moment but we will stay positive. It's more important that we focus on what we are trying to achieve."