By Stuart Hughes

Ice hockey fans in Manchester say plans to form a new professional team by the beginning of next season are gathering pace.

But a decision has not yet been made on whether to apply for membership to the top-flight Superleague or the second-tier British National League.

The city's Superleague club, Manchester Storm, collapsed in November - two months into the season.

And a subsequent appeal by fans to raise �100,000 to keep the Storm afloat failed.

We firmly believe that one super-strong bid would be better than two or more fragmented bids FoMIH spokesman Richard Allan

But the organisation set up to examine ways of bringing the sport back to the city says more than �150,000 in sponsorship has now been pledged for the formation of a new club.

"To date we have had great support that has encouraged us to continue," said Neil Morris, chairman of the Friends of Manchester Ice Hockey (FoMIH).

"That support is growing and we intend to give this cause the very best shot we can.

"Initial talks regarding an ice time agreement for the MEN Arena have begun and upon completion of our advanced business planning we will seek further discussion time with SMG (the owners of the arena)."

FoMIH also appealed to any rival investors to come forward in order to pool resources.

"If there are other parties actively planning a new ice hockey club for Manchester, we would wish to talk with them about a single effort," said spokesman Richard Allan.

"FoMIH want to see a new ice hockey club in Manchester and we firmly believe that one super-strong bid would be better than two or more fragmented bids."