The Hull Daily Mail rallied to the cause of the city’s beleaguered football club by backing a fund-raising campaign launched by supporters.

In less than a week the newspaper helped recruit more than 800 members for the Tigers Co-operative, raising thousands of pounds in the process.

The cash will be used by the supporters’ organisation in their bid to help take a significant stake in the club and secure its long-term future.

Administrators took charge at Third Division Hull City on February 7 and have until February 20 to either sell the club or put together a financial package that will allow it to see out the rest of the season. The club has debts of up to £2m, including unpaid tax bills of more than £400,000.

Three days after the administration order was made, the club, nicknamed the Tigers, played Division Three high-flyers Leyton Orient at home and the Mail issued a rallying cry for supporters to turn out in force.

Despite appalling weather, 8,782 supporters flocked to Boothferry Park. The gate was the highest of the season and easily the division’s largest of the day – beating Brighton by almost 2,000. Only Swindon had a higher crowd in Division Two.

Many proudly held placards produced by the Mail, bearing the words “Hull City AFC We’ll Support You Ever More”.

Mail assistant editor Marc Astley said: “There’s not an awful lot you can do to wipe out debts approaching £2m but we have been able to harness the tremendous pride and passion there is in the city.

“By showing their amazing support at the Leyton Orient game, Hull City fans sent a clear message to any potential investor that this is a club with enormous potential.”

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