FANS-TASTIC! That's loyal Shakers supporters whose generosity has helped the club secure its survival to the end of the season at least.

Bury FC's initial two-week administration order has been extended until April 26 to allow the club to fulfil its remaining fixtures.

And the welcomed breathing space will enable administrators RSM Robson Rhodes to pursue the sale of the Shakers and preserve its long-term future.

Despite the good news, however, it is vital that fans maintain their support and help Bury FC clinch its £400,000 fund raising target.

At a press conference announcing Friday's (March 15) High Court decision to extend the administration period, fans were praised for their efforts in helping tackle the cash crisis facing the club.

Joint administrator Mr Matthew Dunham said: "The response has been absolutely fantastic and I can only thank everyone for that. There is still a long way to go, but we are hopeful we can achieve what we need to do.

"The extension of the administration order gives the club time to complete this season's league programme.

"Being able to continue until the end of the season has only been achieved through the hard work of the club's loyal supporters, partly through the Save Our Shakers campaign and the attendance at all the matches."

He added: "That has helped to reduce some of the financial pressures. The response has been absolutely overwhelming, not only from the fans of Bury but from all football supporters around the country and also around the world.

"It's heartened everyone involved with the club and I hope we will continue to see increased attendances at the remaining three home games."

But on a note of caution, Mr Dunham stressed: "There is still a long way to go to secure the club's future and it remains necessary for me to agree, with interested parties, investment in the club and agree a position with the club's creditors.

"We are hopeful we can achieve that within a timescale before the end of the season.

"At that stage, I hope to make an announcement about the club's future."

Mr Dunham declined to comment on an exclusive Bury Times report that a mystery benefactor had offered to settle the club's outstanding mortgage which has been the subject of legal action.

"I can't give any details away at the moment, but we are continuing to negotiate with a number of interested parties.

"We're hopeful we can broker a deal sometime before the end of the season."

But a cloak of secrecy will descend over the bidding and negotiating process. Interested parties must sign a letter of confidentiality, as stipulated by the administrators, not to reveal their intentions publicly.

Stressing it was "imperative" to continue the work of the last fortnight, club joint chairman Mr Fred Mason said: "We still need to focus on the £400,000 to see us through to the end of the season."

He and co-chairman Mr John Smith paid tribute to fans, players, staff, the Football League, PFA, Neville Neville and the administrators who had all helped during the last two "hectic weeks".

Commenting on the administration order extension, manager Andy Preece said: "Now, we can concentrate on what we do best and that's out on the field making sure we stay in the Second Division."