The doomsday scenario of Montrose losing its senior football team has been branded “unthinkable”.
There are fears the whole community would be badly affected if the Gable Endies drop out of League Two.
Politicians are warning local businesses would suffer from a drop in trade.
Montrose face the most important 180 minutes in their history, and defeat would be a “devastating blow” for the town.
The club risks dropping into the Highland League if they fail to beat Brora Rangers in the two-leg pyramid play-off.
Chairman Derek Sim said: “We are fully aware of the consequences.”
It was believed Scottish football’s new pyramid system would filter out perennial strugglers and replace them with ambitious non-league teams.
Montrose councillor Paul Valentine, who used to volunteer as stadium announcer at Links Park, said: “We are really talking about the future of senior football in Montrose.
“Montrose is a community club and dropping to the Highland League would be a devastating blow for the town.
“Some local businesses will feel the pinch if Montrose lose their league status and I don’t think it will be good for Scottish football.”
Montrose face a nine-hour round trip to Brora on Saturday for the first leg before the return game at Links Park the following week.
A spokesman for the Montrose FC Supporters Club said: “We have been a member of the senior league for over 80 years and the thought of going down to the Highland League is unthinkable.
“There would be lower prize money, dwindling gates and fewer away fans travelling to games, coupled with extra travel costs if you take places like Wick and Fort William into account.
“There are a few teams that would do well in the league at present, so yes, it may prove difficult to bounce straight back up.
“It is extremely important that fans turn out in big numbers for both games.
“We have a great set of fans who are willing to travel the length and breadth of the country to support the team.
“The supporters club have organised buses for Saturday, leaving at 8.30am to ensure there is a large and vocal away support, with many others taking an advantage of a weekend away in the Highlands to show their support.
“We are facing the most important 180 minutes of our history and your club needs your support.”
Limited seats are still available to book for Saturday and these can be secured by emailing busconvenor@mfcsc.co.uk.