POWERFUL COMBINATION

They announced an offer of free membership to their Supporters' Trust in the hope that shareholding fans will mobilise together to deter both Glazer and his potential partners. They want more fans to own shares so will release a free share from the organisation’s own collective pool to the first 100,000 on-line applicants. But to get the share the fan must pledge not to buy shirts while there is a threat of a Glazer takeover.

Houston said: “The scheme is called ‘shares not shirts’ and that is just the start.

“If the idea takes hold we hope more fans will take up the chance of showing their opposition through boycotting merchandise.

“Fans spent £45m on merchandise in the last two seasons.”

He added: "It's not just about how many shares there are in the hands of fans, but how many fans there are holding shares. A big bloc of shares gives us voting power, but a large number of shareholders gives us people power - the combination is a powerful force.By joining the Trust, fans will be sending a very clear message that they do not want someone taking over their club and that they want to own a significant stake in it themselves. This isn't just about Glazer - once we hopefully send him packing, we'll still be vulnerable to greedy profiteers looking to swallow up the club. We hope that the 100,000 inaugural members of the Trust will join the 37,000 private shareholders and 15,000 SU members in pooling their resources to increase the fans' collective stake."