FANS have reacted with dismay at Northwich Vics' announcement they are staying at Witton Albion for up to three months of next season.

After two years of poor results, relegation and huge cash losses at Wincham Park, supporters were excited by the prospect of moving to the Victoria Stadium at last in August.

To be told it may now be November 6 provoked a strong reaction on the club's website.

'Fans are tired of bankrolling cock-ups and stumping up cash for badly-run projects... shareholders deserve a full explanation... it is a hammer blow... Vics fans would like to know the truth... makes the club look an embarrassment... there should be an EGM called... it will be a financial disaster,' are some of thoughts.

The Chronicle has fielded a series of angry phone calls from Vics fans as speculation about the future of the club also grew.

Vics chairman Dave Stone, having blamed Vale Royal Council for delays in starting the project in the first place, says the 'programme slippage' is because of rerouting a public footpath and redesigning foundations. But rumours persist that money was running out and little work has been done at the ground in recent weeks.

The November 6 date is an absolute deadline given to the Conference and Vics may move before then.

'It gives us leeway,' said Stone. Vics will play between five and 10 home matches at Witton, at a cost of up to £7,000 and further damage to their fundraising.

Witton chairman Mike Worthington said: 'Vics' request came as a surprise and has caused us some disruption. It was a straightforward business decision for us but we are trying to work together, whatever fans may think.' Albion have had to find new temporary pitches for their reserves and ladies team. The unexpected ground rent is a bonus in a week of good news for fans.

Meanwhile, Vics' chances of survival are growing by the passing day.

The Conference wooden-spoonists, who were looking for straws to clutch at with increasing desperation as their disastrous season unfolded, may have found something more substantial.

They have already been allocated a place in the new Conference North, but the futures of crisis clubs Margate and Telford United look bleaker by the hour.

Margate, who cannot comply with Conference ground criteria, are to be ejected, thus giving second-from-bottom Leigh RMI a reprieve.

Telford need a massive rescue operation to be completed by the Conference AGM on June 6, but there is none in the offing.

Supporters have formed a trust but no backers willing to take on the club's debts and huge wage bill have emerged.

The local paper, the Shropshire Star, says: 'It is looking grim.'

There is a belief at Northwich, however, that relegation would allow them to re-group and rebuild. Vics' own Supporters Trust is now legally registered and officially up and running.