The man who has pumped money into the rugby club ever since he became chairman in 1996 last week announced that he had joined forces with former chairman Terry Fisher to try to take the stricken football club out of administration.

Davy, keen to ensure the continued viability of the McAlpine Stadium, which the two clubs have shared since its erection in 1994, took the chance to explain himself to rugby fans in the programme for yesterday's clash with Bradford Bulls.

"Our Stadium partner club have been through a harrowing time recently, culminating in administration and the very real possibility of liquidation, which would have meant then end of that historic club," he wrote.

"We in rugby league know how difficult these times can be and the anguish felt by supporters and the community at large when such a major sporting asset of the town is under threat.

"It was against this background, coupled with concern for the viability of the Stadium and the impact on ourselves that has resulted in my leading a bid to rescue Huddersfield Town from the arms of the administrators.

"I would take this opportunity of assuring every supporter that helping Town out of their difficulties in no way impacts on my support for the Giants, and my hopes and dreams for the birthplace of rugby league are as fervent as ever."

Davy added: "The reality is that our magnificent stadium needs two healthy clubs and following dialogue with Terry Fisher and others, a lot of common ground was found and I believe the package put forward to save the football club will ultimately benefit everyone.

"Terry has an outstanding record of achievement and his tremendous commitment to Huddersfield Town matches my own love for the claret and gold Giants. I am confident we can both look forward to exciting times ahead.

"It is obviously very early days and much work remains to be done. All I ask is that everyone in the town gets behind both sporting clubs in ever increasing numbers."

Davy and Fisher, whose group includes Elland-based businessman Martin Byrne and Norwegian football agent Vidar Fossdal, are currently in a period of `exclusivity' which allows time to conduct meetings with creditors owed a total of more than £17m.

The consortium will aim to agree a Creditors' Voluntary Arrangement, by which a proportion of the debt is repaid, therefore signalling an exit from administration.

The major hurdles appear to be reaching agreement with the Professional Footballers' Association over unpaid players' wages, and the Inland Revenue.

Administrators Begbies Traynor must report back to the High Court on Friday, May 30 with a proposal to keep the club in business.