Nuneaton general manager Alan Prince says the sale of former striker Malcolm Christie has secured the club's immediate future.

Christie moved from Derby to Middlesbrough for �3m and Nuneaton are set for �500,000 windfall as a result of the deal.

Christie began his career with the Conference club and they negotiated a 20% sell-on clause when they sold him to Derby for �50,000 in November 1998.

It's the first piece of good news we've had all season Nuneaton manager Steve Burr

"It is a fantastic piece of news," Prince told Nuneaton's official website.

"What we've now got to do is sort out the financial side of things.

"I will be speaking to Derby about how it will work out on Monday."

He added: "There has been a lot of uncertainty this season and we've had to cut the playing budget.

"There was a danger if Malcolm hadn't been sold we would have to have done that again.

"Now it certainly takes the pressure off us."

Manager Steve Burr believes the cash injection will make his job easier.

He said: "The sale of Malcolm is a big boost and certainly safeguards the future of the club."

"It's the first piece of good news we've had all season."