THE ballot papers are in, the votes are being counted and, on Wednesday night, York City fans will know the new make-up of their Supporters Trust board.

Seven candidates, including existing club and trust board member Sophie McGill, will learn if they have succeeded in securing one of four places up for grabs during the Trust's AGM at the Grand Opera House.

The night will also include a fans' forum when supporters will be invited to quiz the new board of directors and City player-boss Chris Brass.

It promises to be a fascinating night as the Trust's "Community Vision" continues to be threatened by the plans of Bootham Crescent Holdings and Persimmon to oust the club from its traditional home ground.

The AGM will focus on events over the past year as well as the on-going work of the Supporters Trust while accounts and resolutions will also be presented.

Doors open at 7pm with the evening kicking off half-an-hour later and expected to end around 10pm.

The meeting is open to all 2,000 Trust members and anyone else wishing to attend can join the Trust on the night for an annual membership of £10.

Trust chairman Richard Snowball said: "This year, through the Trust, York City fans have worked wonders to save the football club. The AGM is an opportunity to review those achievements and consider the serious challenges that still face us.

"It is hoped that as many City fans as possible will take the opportunity to attend what promises to be a very interesting evening and all for free!"

To coincide with the AGM, City's Trust has distributed its annual review "York City...at the heart of the community" to its members and other people and bodies in York.

The colour publication includes 30 contributions from City fans and other commentators within the game.

Further copies will be available on Wednesday night.

YORK City's Football in the Community office will be running two Christmas holiday clubs at Bootham Crescent for youngsters aged between eight and 14.

They take place on Monday, December 22 and Tuesday, December 23 and there will be an opportunity to participate in several sports, as well as art and crafts and games consoles.

The cost is £12 for a full day (8am to 6pm) or £6 for a half day (8am to 1pm or 1pm to 6pm).

Contact Paul Olsson on 01904 613017 or 07710 258636 for further details.

DARREN Dunning extended his lead in the Evening Press player of the year standings by 13 points with a man-of-the-match performance in Saturday's 3-0 defeat against Darlington.

The City midfielder grabbed the honours in a match of few worthy candidates and will now be hoping his advantage does not prove an unlucky 13 as he aims to finish top of the pile come next May.

Former Harrogate Town defender Dave Merris has moved into the top 10 by taking two points at the Reynolds Arena and the remaining point went to midfielder Stephen Brackstone.

Rankings: Dunning 30, Bullock 17, Nogan 14, Ovendale 14, Hope 12, Ward 10, Wood 10, Brass 6, Merris 6, Parkin 5, Smith 4, Wise 4, Cooper 2, Brackstone 1, Fox 1, George 1, Wilford 1.

Finally, I would like to thank my esteemed predecessor Dave Stanford for the perfect timing of his departure as York City writer.

Torquay United away in the middle of December, with its 600-mile plus round trip, could probably not have provided a more gruelling baptism as I begin my travels reporting on the Minstermen!

But, seriously, I have been looking forward to the trip all week and am relishing the challenge of my new position.

I have already been impressed by everybody at the club and, in particular, by the Supporters Trust's magnificent achievements over the last 18 months.

And now I am just hoping that this afternoon's trip to Plainmoor will bring the same result as my last visit to the ground in March 2002 when, as a Luton Town reporter, I witnessed a 1-0 away win.

Mark Ovendale was on the bench for the Hatters that day and I am sure he would be happy with another clean sheet today.

Updated: 10:27 Saturday, December 13, 2003