WITH the Sword of Damocles hanging precariously above the Shakers everyone in the town, and in the football world as a whole, is being asked to help with a massive fund-raising initiative: Buy A Seat And Save The Club.

The idea is the brainchild of former Shakers commercial director Neville Neville who has been called in to bring his tried and trusted fund-raising skills to the cause.

"I came up with the idea based on selling bricks which had worked for other clubs," said Neville.

"As we had no time to build walls I looked out of the Executive Club window and saw 12,000 blue seats.

"I immediately informed the administrator that we should sell the seats for £10 each and put the buyer's name on them.

"Then we added a free draw to anyone who subscribes with a 10 per cent prize fund."

The club needs to raise £400,000 in the next two weeks or the curtain comes down on 117 years of footballing history.

If all the seats in the Gigg Lane stadium were sold it would raise a massive £120,000 and soccer fans the world over are being urged to help save the Shakers by sponsoring one.

The idea was kick-started at the weekend by Bury FC joint-chairmen Fred Mason and John Smith.

Mr Mason went on national radio while travelling to the Wycombe game on Saturday and got TalkSport presenters Alvin Martin and Fred Proudfoot to donate £100 each to the cause.

Make no mistake if that target is not reached the administrators have said the club will close on Saturday, March 16.

That is why it is vital that the word is spread throughout pubs, clubs, factories, offices, schools, anywhere that people get together in the town.

We cannot let Bury FC die. It is exactly 40 years since Accrington Stanley were forced into extinction. We don't want another famous Lancashire team to go the same way. Act now and take positive action: Buy A Seat and Save the Shakers.

Bury FC website manager Gordon Sorfleet said that more than 1,000 seats were sold yesterday (Mon March 4) alone. Buyers paid over the odds, so more than £15,000 was raised for the appeal.

Buy A Seat and Save the Shakers questions and answers:

How can I buy a seat to Save the Shakers?

There are many ways to pay for your seat. You can visit the ground; the ticket office may be converted to handle all transactions for fans arriving at the ground.

You can ring the club on 0161-764 4881 or 0161 705 2144 or e-mail at buryfc@dialpipex.com leaving your name, address and a contact telephone number. You will be contacted by a member of staff at Bury FC.

Alternatively you can fax the club on 0161 764 5521 or 0161 763 3103 remembering to leave your phone number or address.

What is the minimum cost of a seat?

The minimum cost for a seat is £10. Many people are offering more for one seat.

Can I buy more than one seat?

You may buy as many seats as you wish but remember the minimum cost is £10.

What can I do as a business or company?

You may buy a whole row of seats, there are 26 seats to a row and the cost will be £260.

What will I get for my donation?

The club are actively looking at producing labels or plaques with names on them. A supplier has been found and is willing to make these for free. Please do not expect the names to be placed on the seats immediately, the main aim is to raise funds to save the club. All seats purchased will be labelled and this will not start until the two week period is over.

How can I spread the word about this appeal?

The appeal is being sent out as a national press release and the club urgently want all supporters to spread the word. Tell your friends, tell your family, talk to everyone you meet.