Birch opens Football League talks

League chiefs had previously indicated they want proof the wage bill is being reduced before giving the green light for players to be signed.

So far that has not been achieved, with the club struggling to reach compromise agreements with a number of the squad.

However, the Blues are hoping that stance may alter after earlier this week securing the company voluntary arrangement (CVA).

The CVA is required by the Football League for a club to receive its ‘golden share’.

Now that has been achieved, the next step is for Portpin or any other new bidder – including the Trust – to complete a takeover.

In the meantime, Michael Appleton has told The News he fears he won’t have a single player in his squad come August as the club looks to cut down numbers.

Birch has now spoken to Football League officials as he seeks to help his beleaguered manager in his attempts at strengthening.

More talks are planned and the administrator is hoping he can convince them to give the go-ahead for Appleton to start finalising free agent and loan deals.

Birch said: ‘I have had a chat with the Football League and they are still considering it.

‘Hopefully they may be a little bit more lenient now we have a CVA.

‘We want them to allow us to start bringing in players on much lower salaries.

‘After all, Michael (Appleton) is trying to build a squad for next season and needs help.

‘We are continuing to talk so we’ll wait and see what happens.’