Forest Green Rovers have officially launched a campaign to raise £250,000 in the next three months to safeguard the future of the cash-strapped club, writes David Wiles.

Officials leading the Keep the Green Alive appeal have devised a five-point plan to help fans and residents protect the side, including the chance to buy shares.

They have also struck a deal with HM Revenue and Customs over an historic £45,000 tax liability, which removes the immediate threat of winding-up action.

Chairman Trevor Horsley stressed that although it was ‘business as usual’, the club is still ‘a long way from being safe’.

“The agreement arranged only gives us some breathing space,” he said.

“We must get behind the launch of our campaign to Keep the Green Alive.

“Not only will this raise the money required by HMRC but it will assist to raise other streams of income to ensure Rovers play at the highest level possible.”

Forest Green revealed last week that they urgently need about £100,000 for wages and HMRC debts, plus another £200,000 for other creditors.

Horsley said the club had suffered one or two problems over the last couple of years but was now struggling to pay off loans taken out to build the new stadium.

He said that apart from the historic liability, Forest Green have met all other tax payments involving VAT and PAYE during the past financial year, and had not defaulted on loans for the new stadium.

Under the first deadline of the HMRC deal, Forest Green must pay 40 per cent of the outstanding tax debt by April 7.

The fundraising campaign, which is backed by MP and supporter David Drew, generated more than £7,000 on its first day.

The five point plan - To help safeguard Forest Green Rovers, you can: 1. Become a shareholder for as little as £100 and have a say in how the club operates. Application forms are available at the club reception.

2. Join the Supporters Trust or the Supporters Club and become part of their combined efforts to fundraise.

3. Make an upfront donation of £5,000 to gain free entry to all Forest Green league and pre-season matches over the next 10 years for you and a guest.

4. Raise money in your own way and tell everyone about it through the club website and the local media. Whoever comes up with the best idea wins a season ticket for next season.

5. Promote your own event or support club events and functions in the Five Valleys Conferencing Centre to help reduce costs on the stadium.