The hard-pressed volunteers had invited people to come to a meeting at the club’s Rosebank Park, on Sunday, where the options were blunt — if enough folk come forward the club would try and continue in competitive football but if not, they had little choice than to disband, after almost 140 years of history.

Former secretary Kennie Young, pictured, who is helping out during the transitional period, said: “Although the turnout was disappointing, we got some encouragement from being able to form a new committee and the club will continue as full playing members of the Scottish Junior Football Association.

“We had considered non-playing membership for a year, as an alternative to folding, but that would have been almost a last resort as it would have been difficult to raise any funds without people being able to see where the money was going, so this is a step in the right direction.

“Lauchlan Millar is now secretary of the club, which allows me to finally, and totally, stand down. But I will always be available to help him in any way, especially at the start as it is going to be hard to keep the club going — we are not out of the woods yet.” Two major developments which have indicated a more optimistic outlook for Lugar, compared to last week, has been the emergence of some business people who have stepped forward, as well as three young fans who are all under 18 and will provide the young blood that the club needs to stay alive.

Mr Young said: “There is a further meeting at the park next Monday, April 27, which will be the first stage of setting the club up for the future. Although there is a long road to go and we need to make sure this support does not peter out. There is no point in coming in for a few months, all we are asking for is a level of commitment.

“The threat of non-playing membership is still hanging over us but it is good to have business people on board, not only for the finance they may be able to provide, but also their expertise in raising money as well as the formation of a business plan.

“In the past, we have not even been able to hold committee meetings as we did not have a quorum, but we will now be able to have proper structured meetings.” An added bonus was the willingness of the three young men who have offered their help, which Mr Young said was ‘unexpected but very good to have them along’.

He added: “This is something that bodes well for the future and it will be good to hear their points of view. There maybe a case for them being too young just now but they are the future of Lugar Boswell Thistle.”