By Amanda Little

Last updated 11:41, Wednesday, 14 May 2008

A MYSTERY buyer could be about to come to Gretna's rescue to save the club from going to the wall.

Final flourish: Gretna celebrate their win against Hearts

Administrators controlling the stricken club's affairs will issue a winding up order on Saturday unless a new owner comes forward.

Four interested parties are yet to make a firm offer for the club which is £4million in debt and facing the distinct possibility of extinction after owner Brooks Mileson withdrew his backing following an illness.

Last night's 1-0 victory over Hearts could have been the last-ever game, but director of football Mick Wadsworth revealed there is possible light at the end of the tunnel.

He said: “I've heard a whisper that there is a package coming together in the last couple of days. That looks better than things have looked in the last few weeks.

“I don't know the details and I don't know the person. I'm in the dark as much as anyone and there's great uncertainty for the next few days.

“Most of us will be out of work in the next couple of weeks and if the club does survive I think it will be a fresh start. There's definitely hope but I imagine there's still a lot of work to be done.”

Former boss Rowan Alexander, who was sacked last year in acrimonious circumstances, attended last night's game at Fir Park.

But the night belonged to their longest-serving player Gavin Skelton, who hit the injury-time winner on his farewell appearance for the club. Wadsworth said: “He's served the club for seven years since their UniBond League days. Good things happen to good people and I'm so pleased for him because he's a great lad.”

nCatch the match: page 61