Gordon Gibb will hold an immediate meeting with boss Nicky Law once the new man is installed as City chairman.

Gibb will succeed Geoffrey Richmond at the Valley Parade helm with Julian Rhodes appointed as the new chief executive.

And Law wants urgent discussions with the new top brass as he looks to beef up a paper-thin squad in time for the big kick-off against Wolves on Sunday.

Law said: "I know nothing has been confirmed yet but we need to be sitting down sooner rather than later. There are only four days until our season starts and I don't know how many players I've got.

"Gary Locke's move has gone through but I'm still waiting to hear about Eoin Jess before we can try to get players in.

"If we don't get the trialists in or somebody on loan then we could be left with just 16 in the squad including two goalkeepers which is hardly ideal."

Gibb said: "I would like to congratulate the manager on the job he has done in keeping his attention focused on the playing side of the equation.

"We need to get to know each other and each other's ambitions for the future. There will be a full strategic review."

Richmond yesterday announced he was ending his eight-year reign at the club - on the day they were given the green light by the Football League to start the season. He felt his continued presence would further divide the fans.

Law said: "It's a shame for him. It's easy to be on someone's side when they are performing miracles but unfortunately when things go wrong everyone wants to point the finger.

"He has openly admitted he had a mad six weeks that cost the club but they aren't decisions just made by him. I think the pressure has told but even his biggest critics must give him credit for being brave enough to own up to his mistakes.

"I'm grateful to the chairman because he gave me this opportunity and I think everyone will wish him well for the future."

Richmond hopes his departure will re-unite the pro and anti factions in the stands. And City are calling for a show of loyalty from the supporters against promotion favourites Wolves.

Managing director Shaun Harvey, whose job is not believed to be under threat, said: "This marks a fresh start for the club and it's vitally important that the fans get right behind us.

"The best way of showing that is to turn out in numbers against Wolves and show how much this club means to everyone."