Nottingham Forest backed by Nigel Doughty estate

Mr Doughty invested more than £100m of his personal fortune into the Reds.

Nottingham Forest have confirmed the club will be supported financially by its late owner's estate until next season.

Nigel Doughty, 54, was found dead in the gym at his home in Skillington, Lincolnshire, on 4 February.

The former chairman is estimated to have invested more than £100m of his personal fortune into the Reds.

Discussions are taking place with several parties who have expressed an interest in buying the club.

Chief executive Mark Arthur said: "We are very pleased to announce that the club will have the financial support of Nigel Doughty's estate through to next season while we are seeking a new owner.

"This will enable management and players to focus completely on the task of retaining our place in the Championship for the 2012-13 season."

An inquest into Mr Doughty's death, which was opened and adjourned in February, heard that post-mortem tests carried out on the life-long Forest fan had so far proved inconclusive.

The club is currently three points off the Championship relegation zone.