West Ham chairman Terry Brown has come under fire from fans

The Whistle group failed to win enough support among the club's larger shareholders for an internal coup.

But they are now seeking the backing of its lenders to help force Brown out.

West Ham's debts are thought to be about �50m following relegation from the Premiership - despite them selling most of their star players.

But Whistle claim around �20m has been pledged to them by anonymous investors willing to buy into the club via a share issue if major lenders like Barclays Bank can force Brown to step down.

Spokesman Mike Hanna said: "Despite selling all the crown jewels, which you can't sell again, Brown has failed to address the debt situation.

"We're now a Nationwide First Division club and we are not generating the revenue to handle our current financial position.

"The banks are begging for a credible alternative. They are waiting for an approach which will handle the debt.

"We have people associated with ourselves who are influential within the City and would offer the financial institutions an alternative.

The club's year-end accounts will show a substantial reduction in debt West Ham managing director Paul Aldridge

"We have had more than �20m pledged to us on the proviso that Mr Brown is removed and there is a share issue.

"We're not proposing a takeover. We want a share issue that doubles the shares available in the company.

"Certain people have undertaken to buy certain amounts of those shares, and their money would be used to appease the debt.

"If the financial institutions come on board you've got pressure. If the City loses confidence in a business it has to change."

Barclays Bank are the biggest single lender to West Ham.

But Hammers managing director Paul Aldridge dismissed claims of a deteriorating relationship with Barclays and accused Whistle of jeopardising the club's promotion bid.

He said in a statement: "The club's year-end accounts will show a substantial reduction in debt.

"We have had an excellent relationship with Barclays for over 100 years and that relationship is stronger and better than ever.

"I'm afraid this is clearly just another alarmist story trying to destabilise the club at this very important stage of the season."

Brown received a letter from Whistle this week demanding answers to 180 questions about the club's finances.

Hanna said: "If we don't get answers what on earth does it do to the reputation of the business?"

Whistle also sent copies of the document to the Football Association, Football League and the Department of Trade and Industry in the hope of an investigation into the club's finances.