A FAN group says it expected Jim Rushe to put their club into administration.

Northwich Victoria Supporters Trust chairman Peter Grimes told the Guardian that few followers were surprised at the owner’s announcement yesterday, Monday.

“It’s not something fans want to see happen because it doesn’t help the club’s image,” he said.

“But with the well-documented reports about financial difficulties over the past few months and the current economic climate, it’s obviously been a struggle for Jim to rebuild the financial side of the club.”

He said the trust’s 100-plus members remained optimistic that Vics could come through their latest financial problems.

He added: “If administration gets the club back on a sound financial footing for the future, then it may restore confidence in fans and businesses alike and we can concentrate on what happens on the pitch rather than what happens off it.”

As for a role for the trust, Grimes too felt a time would come for the group to play a role in rebuilding the club in tandem with Rushe.

He hopes that moment is soon.

“The trust has the financial reserves and ideas to help to develop the community club that Jim has talked about,” he said.

“But we need to be able to plan ahead with some confidence.

“Perhaps when the club comes out of administration we may see a more secure future where we can all move forward together.”