The Portsmouth Supporters Trust has received the backing of the City Council in its attempts to save the stricken club, reports BBC Sport. The Trust is now urging administrators looking for a buyer to meet them as soon as possible to discuss the crisis.
Italian businessman Joseph Cala wants to buy the club and would pay off the £1.6m tax bill immediately but says he is willing to work with supporters.
On 3 January, Portsmouth were issued with a winding-up petition by HM Revenue and Customs and will appear at the Royal Courts of Justice on 20 February.
But the Portsmouth Supporters Trust met with local businesses on Thursday in an attempt to form a consortium to help save the Championship club.
The meeting was said to be constructive and they have the backing of the City Council.
"Without fans, football isn't fun or passionate," Cala told BBC Sport.
