Only two things can boost the figure - staying up and transferring the ownership. The first is far from certain. The second is unlikely to happen before the early bird deadline.Just over 2,000 sold so far, down from 3,364 at roughly this stage last season.
I am surprised the figure is as high as it is to be honest.
I think a change of ownership is actually a more important factor than survival for many people.
This time last year we were in an equally precarious position, but there was a general expectation that the ownership issue would be settled during the summer.
I think we will get one, not sure about the other.....Call me greedy, but I think we need both.