Dunfermline fans moved a major step towards saving – and owning – their team last night after Pars United was named preferred bidder for both the club and stadium.

The alliance of fans groups welcomed the "tremendous" news and called for supporters to continue donating funds to ensure Dunfermline can come out of administration in good health.

The group was competing with one anonymous party for control of the club and East End Park, both of which were in administration under different companies.

BDO's Bryan Jackson, who is administrator of the club, said: "This means that we can now move the process forward with Pars United, who have worked hard over the last few weeks and are now in the driving seat regarding the club.

"We will work closely with them as we present their bid to the creditors and, hopefully, win their backing to push for a CVA (Company Voluntary Arrangement) within the next few weeks."

Pars United had set a target of raising £500,000 to buy the club, who were relegated from the First Division after being hit with a 15-point penalty after going into administration in March.

Bob Garmory, who has been instrumental in its efforts, said: "It cannot be understated what a monumental effort the Pars fans have undertaken to get to this stage.

"Financial backing for the club has been relentless since we were placed in administration; in the first instance to ensure that the club didn't fall immediately into liquidation; then to provide vital income to ensure that the club continued to trade and complete last season; and, now, continuing to raise funds to ensure that if we make it over the line and become owners of the club it is in the strongest possible financial position.

"We are very hopeful that the forthcoming meeting of DAFC creditors will now vote in favour of the CVA which will be put to them very shortly."