York City's season-ticket sales have rocketed despite the club's relegation to the Conference, writes Dave Flett.

An unexpected surge saw 895 sold by the June 30 discount deadline and the above-average figure has delighted the Minstermen's directors.

Taking away last season's abnormal number following ex-chairman John Batchelor's ill-fated half-price season-ticket offer, the normal average is between 700 and 750.

City finance director Terry Doyle has confirmed that the last comparably high season, disregarding the Batchelor era, was 2001/2002 when 781 season tickets were sold before the discount deadline.

Doyle now hopes that the club can reward the fans' loyalty with a successful season on the pitch.

He said: "Everybody at York City is delighted at the high level of season tickets sold. I would like to thank all of the fans for the support and understanding they have shown.

"To have such a high number of season tickets is very helpful in attracting the right players to the club.

"When we told Paul Robinson the numbers we had he was impressed and, hopefully, it will have a similar effect on other high-quality players.

"We also recognise that in response to this we have to ensure that we have to get things right on the pitch and repay the fans that have supported us with a winning team."

Updated: 10:08 Saturday, July 03, 2004