Two leading executives from the North P&I and Standard clubs insist grassroots members will back their proposed merger ahead of a planned 27 May vote.

Under a one-member, one-vote system, it may require as few as 50% of members to get the merger over the line.

This is despite the constitutions of both clubs indicating that changes to articles of association required for the merger to take place may need up to 75% of members to support them.