SENIOR player Rob Purdie is hoping for a big pay day from the Bulls match against Gateshead at Edgar Street on Saturday.

United's players and staff have received only a small portion of their wages since the beginning of February due to the club's financial crisis.

But now, with the threat of the winding-up order brought by HMRC relieved by the payment of £78,000, there's a chance for some well-deserved pay to go to the players.

"I hope that there will be a big turn-out on Saturday and that will bring some revenue for the staff and players," said the 31-year-old.

"We understand that early next week we could receive a good proportion of our February wages. Then we can relax a bit.

"The crowds in the last two home games have been good and there were more than 100 at Welling on Tuesday night. It was fantastic to hear them cheering when we scored."

Purdie also paid tribute to the incredible fundraising activity which has seen the threat of the winding-up order lifted.

"This is my third spell at the club and it means a lot to me personally," he said.

"But, until now, I don't think I really appreciated how important it is to so many others.

"The effort has been unbelievable and it shows what a hard-core fan base there is.

"I went to the Sunday afternoon Omid Djalili show with my girl-friend and a couple of other friends. To raise more than £20,000 for the club like he did was incredible."

Bulls chairman David Keyte, who is away in Barbados, has also been paying tribute to the efforts made.

"I am particularly conscious of the feeling of not being there standing side by side with everyone but it is one of those work: life decisions that you have to make occasionally," he said. "The team back home however have certainly done the club proud.

"We have some major restrictions due to Lorraine's kidney failure and dialysis needs. We are on a trip that we booked last November which we did discuss cancelling but the team at the club, particularly in the boardroom and the offices, convinced us that they could run the shop in my absence.

"However, through modern technology, whether they like it or not, I have been in touch daily. I have also continued to speak to a group of potential investors who wish to talk further on my return."

United's two goalscorers in their historic win against Newcastle in 1972 have been doing their bit to boost club funds.

Ricky George placed a £50 each-way bet on Grand National winner Pineau de Re and has given the proceeds of £1,500 to the fighting fund.

And legend Ronnie Radford will be at Edgar Street on Saturday for the game against Gateshead.

On Saturday morning, he will pose with fans on the pitch for a fee of £20 and will then hold a question-and-answer session in the evening at the Starlite Rooms from 7pm, price £7.50 including a buffet supper.

Details on both of these opportunities from the club office.