BILL Power insists his Town rescue package is still on the table and has pleaded with all parties involved in the takeover saga to stop gambling with the club's future.

The former investor at the County Ground provided the financial backing for the fans' consortium's failed bid to buy the club over a year ago but, with the Portuguese deal still shrouded in uncertainty, Power claims their interest has never faltered.

Yesterday's revelations in the Swindon Advertiser that the players' wages for September had been delayed, due to a stalemate between the current board and the prospective new owners, highlighted the gravity of the financial situation at the County Ground.

With immediate debts running to more than £3million, including a three-month overdue Company Voluntary Agreement, Power has urged everyone involved to stop playing games and secure a deal that will safeguard Town's long-term future.

He insists he would be "over the moon" if the Portuguese consortium completed the purchase of the club successfully but warns time is running out with creditors and the football league watching the situation with interest.

The former QPR chairman knows a third spell in administration, the likely outcome if the £900,000 CVA bill remains unpaid, would bring the very real danger of a winding up order.

He said: "You get into a game of poker and play until everyone's money runs out.

"The problem is there can be no bluffing in football.

"If these Portuguese people are here and have the money then I would plead with the club to take their money to save Swindon Town.

"I love Swindon Town and of course I am interested and am willing to speak to the club.

"We have not got £6million like the others have but we are still here and want to keep the club running.

"If the deal with the Portuguese people does not go through I can't see they have many options left.

"The problem is the club have never indicated any interest in dealing with us."

Power is currently in the middle of a legal battle against the club, after claiming he is owed £1.2m which the current owners deny, but he insists the past should not deny Town a future.

He said: "When you get divorced, you don't stalk your ex-wife you just get on with your life.

"But if they show interest in listening to us of course our offer is still there.

"We have never gone away to be honest.

"The football club is a lot of people's lives and everything has to be done to make sure it keeps going.

"I hope everyone is of the same attitude."