York City's future still hung in the balance today as administrators waited anxiously for bids to save the 80-year-old club from oblivion.

With a deadline of noon for submissions to be received, no offers for the cash-strapped outfit were on the table this morning as the Evening Press went to print.

David Willis, of Jacksons Colliffe Cork, said he was convinced at least two proposals from prospective new owners would be submitted.

"We have still to receive any bids but we have spoken to the two parties we are expecting bids from and they are confident they will be in a position to submit offers by the deadline," Willis said.

The Evening Press has been contacted by three separate would-be purchasers in the countdown to today's dealine. All have said they intended to submit a bid.

Even if bids are forthcoming, the shadow of uncertainty could linger for a number of weeks.

Willis admitted it could be February before the necessary legal paperwork is completed, and only then would the names of the new owners be made public.

There would also be nothing to stop the potential new owners or owner walking away from the club during the time between an offer being made and any deal being signed.

"We are not able to name who the potential bidders are, nor will we be able to when we get their offers," said Willis.

"We will only be able to name who the new owners of the football club are when the sale is complete and we have a legally-binding agreement.

"Receiving an offer is one thing, signing the deal is another. It could be between two or three weeks for all the legal work to be completed.

"Only on completion will there be new owners and then it is up to the new owners to publicise themselves."

Any prolonged wait while the deal is signed could also spell fresh cash worries for the Minstermen - although that could see the York City Supporters' Trust having a defining role in the future of the club.

Willis admitted there was no funding in place to see City through the next few weeks although he was 'confident' the issue could be resolved 'reasonably quickly'.

It is estimated up to £20,000 each week could be needed to tie City over and one option is for the bidders to fund the club while the legal paperwork is drawn up.

"The purchasers may be reluctant to do that for two or three weeks when in two or three weeks' time they come across a problem that cannot be resolved and the deal cannot be completed," explained Willis.

"There are a few other options if the interested parties are not willing to put some cash into the club at this stage.

"The Supporters' Trust may be prepared to provide funding for the club in the interim.

"We believe their preferred option would be for the potential buyers to fund it but the Trust have said they will do everything they can to help the club survive."

The Trust are believed to be planning talks with the adminstrators today over funding.

Updated: 12:15 Thursday, January 16, 2003