But Stags Fans For Change (SSFC) - which has long campaigned for the removal of Keith Haslam from Field Mill - says that it would like to see more details of the deal before 'throwing our full support behind it'.

The latest twist in the takeover saga was revealed by Stags chief executive Stephen Booth at the SSA organised fans forum on Thursday.

• James Derry 'in effective control' at Field Mill

Afterwards another fans group, TEAM Mansfield, called for both sides to answer more questions on the details of the agreement.

Now SFFC has issued a statement, also warning of the 'Rotherham Effect', where new owners found a crippling rent one of the main causes for going into administration for a second time:

"SFFC are cautiously optimistic on the announcement of the sale of the club to the James Derry consortium. We remain cautious as the details of the sale, disposal of cash assets, rental of the ground and eventual buyout price have not yet been made public.

"We are pleased to see that lifelong fans, who we are assured and believe, will put the interests of MTFC first, are part of the consortium. However, we are appalled and astonished that John Batchelor, who brought so much unhappiness to the fans of York City, has apparently been taken on board. We believe that this is NOT in the best interests of MTFC.

"He has apparently come with some 'wacky ideas' on how to improve our situation. It is not 'wacky ideas' we need! What we do need is a strategic business plan, properly budgeted, open and transparent, for the fans to see the direction we are going and perhaps contribute to in some way. We also need a CEO with experience who can see this through.

"Steve Hymas has promised the fans that full financial details will be forthcoming once the sale has been finalised. We look forward to this and expect it to be clear in every detail.

"Whilst there is some euphoria amongst fans over the removal of Keith Haslam as owner, he will still be our landlord. Our new owners will have to take care that we don't experience the 'Rotherham Effect'. The rental cost of their ground has been one of the main reasons that they find themselves in insolvency for the second time in a few years.

"Finally, Mr Derry said at the open forum that he hoped SFFC would now disband (he said SSA, actually, and the fans corrected him). When approached about this after the forum closed he explained that what he really meant to say was that he hoped SFFC would join with the other fans groups in supporting the club. SFFC can asure the consortium that if we believe the deal is the best for the long suffering fans of MTFC, we will, indeed, throw our full support behind it.

"If, however, the deal puts our club into a position no better, or even worse, than it was under Keith Haslam, we will continue to raise our concerns and campaign for further change."