Wigan Athletic supporters fund hits £200k as they pursue talks with bidders

And they don't want the momentum of their campaign to ease off despite assurances from the administrators that Latics will start the new League One season in two weeks.

WASC launched the ambitious scheme this week in the hope of reaching £500,000 by Monday.

The money could provide a safety net to take control of the club if no buyer is found by the administrators.

If a buyer is found, they want to part-own Latics to try and safeguard it from any financial problems in the future.

Caroline Molyneux, chair of the supporters club, said: "After the statements made by the administrators, the supporters club is being very active in trying to liaise with any prospective bidder.

"The fact is whatever happens in the next week or two, the supporters need that voice going forward.

"We don't want a repeat of what has happened."

They have extended their Crowdfunder appeal to businesses, hoping they get on board to help them reach their target. All donations are being accepted, with pledges of £250 or more offering certain privileges.

The administrators had set their own deadline of August 31 for finding a buyer.

And while they have relaxed that, saying they have the funds to get through September, Molyneux hopes to still reach their target early.

Co-administrator Gerald Krasner has already said he may be in a position to exchange contracts with a buyer by next week, and the supporters club want to be in a position to negotiate being part of the club's ownership.

She said: "The sooner we're in a position to say, 'We've got half a million, we want to be a part of this', the better."

Molyneux hopes the fund will be boosted by the administrators, who have pledged to refund the £191,000 raised by fans in the first Crowdfunder appeal to pay wages and help the team finish the season.

Krasner says he is treating that money as a "soft loan" and if that amount is available after the sale of the club, it will be given to the supporters club.

Wigan MP Lisa Nandy and Latics' former CEO Jonathan Jackson, still a director of Latics, are backing the 'Save our Club' campaign.

Jackson said: "To reach £200,000 in two days is fantastic and I'd just like to thank everyone for their donations. It shows how much the club matters to so many people."