Storm have been forced to postpone their next three games as the financial row which has seen them shut out of the MEN Arena rumbles on.

Owner Gary Cowan told a crisis meeting on Thursday night that he had already received pledges of support in the region of �60,000, making the target figure effectively �90,000.

And the 500 fans present at Manchester Town Hall pledged a further �15,000 towards saving the club.

Should Cowan's target not be reached, all money would be returned to donors, he said.

Storm's crisis has worsened with the news that five more players have followed Great Britain skipper David Longstaff out of the club.

Great Britain netminder Stevie Lyle, club captain Ivan Matulik and Dwight Parrish have all rejoined former club Cardiff Devils on a temporary basis.

Mark Bultje will turn out for Hull Thunder this weekend.

And veteran Rob Wilson has requested his release in order to pursue several options in the Findus British National League.