AFTER the last few days, those gallant folk at Bootham Crescent could do with pepping up.

So we were delighted to receive an email fizzing with positive vibes from Julie Maycock, of Jacobi Close, York.

Julie was responding to the Worst Ever York City XI, as compiled by despondent fan Robert Beaumont, of Borougbridge. "Providing my memories are serving me well, I thought I would give you my best ever YCFC team," says Julie.

And here it is.

Goalkeeper - Kiely; defence - McMillan, Hall, Swallow, Hay; midfield - Bullock, Canham, McCarthy; forwards - Walwyn, Proctor, Parkin (just to get in the way); subs - Edmundson, Pollard, Seal, Barnes, Crawford; manager - Dennis Smith.

"I have been supporting City all my life and I am 47 years old now," Julie says. "I have probably got it wrong so don't anyone shout at me, it's only an opinion and I may have forgotten one of our stars!"

And finally a much needed rallying cry: "The good times will come again and those who have kept the faith will have earned the right to be at the front of the procession through the streets of York when we are promoted once more.

"I will be going to Bootham Crescent whatever happens. Come on York!"

TALKING of football, the plug could not have been better timed.

On Monday's edition of Look North Harry Gration had just been talking about Chris Brass's sacking as City manager after their dismal run reached its nadir against Forest Green. At the end of the show up popped a zippy promo from Radio York: "Isn't it lovely when your team's winning?"

Well, guys, we wouldn't know.

STILL with York's own Harry and his co-presenter, the warm and approachable Christa Ackroyd, has anyone else noticed there's something different about them?

Last week the pair interviewed fashion fascists Trinny and Susannah, of What Not To Wear fame. Look North's first couple seemed distinctly unimpressed with their guests' tips.

But since then, those Christa outfits which caused more television interference than an electric storm have disappeared, to be replaced by black on black, as advised. And Hazza has a brand new suit.

WE were delighted to read of a new approach to serving the public in last night's Press.

York bar Rumours is closing on New Year's Eve to avoid trouble. Asked to comment, Anita Adams, the redoubtable landlady at the Golden Slipper, Goodramgate, said: "Often the general public do not realise that they are guests in our homes."

So we're not paying customers after all? Marvellous. Break out the biccies, Anita, we're on our way...

WHEN is a special offer not so special? When you're in Borders.

Shopping for big brother's birthday, we spotted the perfect present for the comedy fan: Laurel and Hardy DVDs. Seeing a sticker on one of the 20-strong collection boasting: "2 for £15, 3 for £20 or £9.99 each" we went crazy and took three to the checkout.

The total duly came up: £30.99. This made no sense, but when the assistant queried the bill with her supervisor he insisted the sticker only referred to one specific Laurel and Hardy DVD.

Reluctantly opting for just two of the three, the total came up: £15.

Another fine mess.

Updated: 09:56 Wednesday, November 10, 2004