SCHEMING football club owners plotting to sell a stadium to salivating property developers would not normally make pleasant reading for York City fans.

But the light humour of Dominic Holland's second novel should compensate for any psychological scars left as a result of the Minstermen's recent traumas.

As, too, should the £4 from each copy that will be donated to City if the book is bought from the club shop at Bootham Crescent. Solace may also be found in modest Third Division supporters who end up being the heroes of the day.

The book follows a group of fans at a struggling, fictitious Football League side, who aim to save their club after it falls into the hands of opportunist businessmen.

Some of the characters, such as spoilt Premiership stars, shifty agents and publicity-mad bimbos, are instantly identifiable with true-life equivalents and not altogether far-fetched.

As a stand-up comedian, Holland's gags sometimes appear forced and irrelevant to the plot or story, but they are usually funny.

This is, overall, an enjoyable and light read that is perhaps slightly spoiled by the clich of the ending.

Updated: 08:44 Wednesday, June 09, 2004