Former skipper Matt Holland is buying shares in Town. The Charlton midfielder joins other ex-players in supporting the share issue, including Paul Mariner and Roger Osborne.

Current boss Joe Royle says the move is typical of the Irish international: "It doesn't surprise me. Matt will always be remembered here for his contribution as captain - he's an outstanding leader and I know he still loves this club.”

The deadline for purchases of shares is Monday, however there is an option for an extension if required. A club spokesman says that there has been a notable increase in applications as January has gone on: "There has been a significant upturn in the number of interested parties over the past two weeks.

"It was a particularly busy day yesterday, for example, when we mailed around 250 copies of the prospectus to people who requested them."

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