SWINDON Town have pleaded to the Wills family for more money to safeguard the club's immediate future with Cheltenham Town the latest to join a long line of creditors.

With Paul Sturrock's squad still waiting for their September wages, the Swindon Advertiser understand Cheltenham are owed £25,000 for their share of the gate money from August's League One fixture, with Town unable to pay up.

As the protracted takeover saga rumbles on, the latest revelations highlight the club's fight against their debts is becoming increasingly grave, and Town's board have admitted they cannot cope as they are.

While insisting the Portuguese takeover deal, worth around £6million, is still on target, the board were yesterday forced to approach their major shareholders to meet their immediate debts.

A refusal to plough even more money into the club from Sir Seton Wills could throw the club's future into doubt but officials were hopeful Wills would once again come to the club's rescue.

Chairman-designate Jim Little last night refuted claims the takeover was already dead and claimed meetings with lawyers were constantly happening as prospective buyers Best Holdings attempt to figure out of the size of the club's debts.

He said: "As far as I am concerned the deal is very much still on. We are going through so much paperwork trying to figure out exactly what the club owe."

Club officials also insist the Portuguese consortium is still highly likely to finalise a deal in the near future but as the stalemate between the current shareholders and the prospective buyers continue the club's future is still uncertain.

Wills has already ploughed millions into Town and, just when he finally thought he was rid of the financial noose around his neck, it seems he has to be the saviour again.

Ahead of tomorrow's home clash with Gillingham, Town boss Paul Sturrock was keeping tight-lipped on matters off the field but was full of praise for his players' reaction to an increasingly difficult situation.

He said: "I am very pleased with the endeavour of the players because it has been difficult times here and they have shown a commitment to the cause I am very pleased about. It has probably been the best thing for me how they have just got on with their work and they have never let anything phase them. It has been a rollercoaster because we don't know who owns us.

"I told them today I was delighted with their attitude. They have got great team spirit and hopefully that will not be tarnished.

"I try to keep a barrier up. Although I do try and keep them as informed as I can because, with the fans, they are the lifeblood of the club.

"I have said all along we need to be a bit more open on what is happening. Swindon fans, which is what Sir Seton is, need to know what is happening. So we will have to wait and see."