TRUST STFC remain confident of being in position to proceed with their own bid to purchase the County Ground freehold despite Swindon Town's own offer for the club's home of 122 years, the supporters' group said today.

Town chairman Lee Power revealed yesterday that a 'formal offer' to acquire the freehold had been made to the local authority after discussions between himself, non-executive vice chairman Clem Morfuni and council officials.

The new development came nearly six months after the Trust, having spent £30,000 in fees conducting due diligence on the purchase plan, submitted a proposal to the Borough Council including a financial offer and details of a major third-party fully-funded stadium plan to begin once planning permission had been granted.

The Trust had an initial £1.1 million bid rejected by the council last year and, following a re-valuation of the County Ground by SBC which was expected to come in at close to double that figure, submitted a revised proposal with increased financial offer.

The arrival of the club's ownership as potential buyers of the freehold means two offers are on the table for Town's home, with the Trust welcoming “the start of the democratic process in the coming weeks.”

Trust STFC say they have secured "substantial financial backing” for their bid and "are confident of completing the transaction if chosen as the successful bidder.”

Trust chairman Steve Mytton added: “Given the overwhelming support we’ve already received, we believe this campaign will be a success and we are confident we – as a collective – can build a sustainable future for our club and for our stadium. Our plans will directly benefit the club, fans and the community.

“We are immensely proud of our bid and humbled by the support we have received to date from supporters, residents, local businesses and organisations who have already taken the time to back us.

“We’ve spent the past months working on our offer and plans but rest assured, the passion and commitment is greater than ever.

“Whatever the outcome, we are committed, as a Trust, to safeguarding the County Ground, not just for Swindon Town supporters, but for the whole community and we are willing to work with anyone who is also dedicated to that end.”

The Trust will hold an annual general meeting in March and board member James Phipps said: "Whether there is one bid, two bids or multiple bids on the table for owning, maintaining and upgrading the County Ground, we will be trusting our elected councillors to make a decision which is based upon all relevant factors.

“As a Trust, we are a democratic, transparent community organisation that publishes accounts each year, governed by the rules of Supporters Direct and also the FCA (the Financial Conduct Authority).”

Swindon Town has so far not responded to an Advertiser request for further information on the club's County Ground freehold offer.