SWINDON Town's directors must convince the High Court to grant a second period of administration if the club is to survive.

Bob Holt and a team of lawyers will head for London on Wednesday to launch stage one of their rescue mission.

If the court agrees to the club's request, Town will be placed into administration until the end of April.

It will effectively allow the club breathing space to talk to new investors and existing creditors without the threat of being wound up in the meantime.

The board feel the move is the only 'safe' route to build a strong enough platform to bring about a revival.

Holt said: "We believe the administration route is the best way for us to proceed.

"We have taken advice from lawyers and insolvency practioners and we will be applying for a second administration order.

"There is nothing in the statute that says you cannot go into administration for a second time.

"This avenue offers protection against creditors and gives us the chance to try and get our house in order.

"It's obvious we don't have the money to trade on our own and need a cash injection from a third party.

"Sadly, it has been impossible to do that due to the debenture threat hanging over the club.

"Mr Donegan and Mr Blatchley, who make up Swindon Town Properties Limited, can still apply for an adminstration receiver but if they choose not to, and we have heard nothing to suggest that they will, it leaves the way clear for us to proceed."

The club must convince the court that sufficient funds are in place to remain afloat during the period of administration.

Holt said around £400,000 would be invested by Sir Seton Wills during that period.

He said: "Nothing is certain but we are confident that we have a strong case to put to the court.

"If the administration order is granted, the next step will be to meet with creditors, including the Inland Revenue, and see what conditions they are prepared to accept.

"Our proposals would then be put to a vote. It will be a difficult task but at least it is a start and that platform to build from that is key."

Holt said the administration plan had been discussed with both the tax man and the Football League. Both had imposed certain conditions but Holt said those had been accepted by the board.

If the High Court grants the order, it will be the second time such a step has been taken in little more than two years.

Town, then under the chairmanship of Cliff Puffett, went into administration in February 2000, only 'emerging' in August 2000.