Oxford United fans say they will dip into their own pockets to help buy its £13m stadium from former owner Firoz Kassam, as they rally round the club.

Supporters were responding to a statement from chairman Nick Merry who said he would welcome "initiatives from fans, investors or business partners to help Oxford United get through these short-term difficult times".

The comments came in response to an accusation by Mr Kassam that the club had fallen behind with its rent for the stadium.

Now fans, including supporters' group OxVox, have said they are looking into the possibility of helping to finance the purchase of the 12,500-seat ground.

James Wall, from Bicester, was among fans to back the idea tonight.

The 24-year-old season ticket holder said: "For all we know, Merry has got £10m of the £13m needed for the stadium, but is struggling to get that last £3m.

"I am sure the majority of fans would donate.

"If we had 4,000 fans donating some money, we would be able to to have a stake in the ground. Then, when finances are better, we can get back what we put in.

"Basically, it would be an interest-free loan.

"I don't speak for everyone, but I know many supporters would be happy to donate and we could get businesses and the colleges on board.

"I don't think we should put money in just for the rent, because that would be pouring money into a black hole."

OxVox committee member Chris Davis said he was pleased with Mr Merry's statement — despite it being "overdue".

He said: "Buying the stadium is a huge undertaking. Even part-purchase is a huge undertaking and you need a lot of time to work it out. "Certainly, what we would like to do is to be instrumental in some fundraising. Not necessarily with the stadium, but to assist the club in some way.

"However, I think Nick Merry has to come clean on the 2008-9 figures.

"If we know what sort of expenditure we are looking at, and the level of income, we know what we need to achieve."

Fellow supporter Andy Duffy, 39, from Botley, Oxford, said of the possibility of fans buying a share in the stadium: "It's a possibility.

"I don't think it's a far-fetched idea."