York City are to hold a special festival game at Bootham Crescent next month.

The match, featuring many stars from City's past, will celebrate the club's victorious battle to stay at Bootham Crescent, in what is the 20-year anniversary of the Minstermen's record 100 points Football League Division Four title achievement.

Trust member Graham Bradbury is organising the two teams of York City heroes of the past and the personalities taking part will be announced shortly.

Stars who have already been 'signed up' by Bradbury include Alan Hay, Malcolm Crosby, John MacPhail, Dale Banton, Brian Pollard, Gary Ford, Chris Topping, Jon McCarthy, Andy McMillan, Paul Atkin, Glenn Naylor, Paul Stancliffe, Tony Canham, Wayne Hall, Chris Jones, Jimmy Seal and Iain Dunn.

The match will be held on Sunday, March 7, kick off 2pm. Admission is £5 and £3 for concessions.

Bradbury has asked for any former players wishing to take part on the day, whether to play or simply to add their support, to please contact him on 01904 708330.

The day will also incorporate other events including an after-match celebration in the Social Club with the opportunity of meeting past and present players.

Nick Bassett, branch manager of Preston and Duckworth Jewellers, has offered to sponsor the man of the match. The successful player will be presented with a watch.

All players taking part on the day will sign a home and away shirt both of which will be framed and auctioned at a later date.

Commercial director Jason McGill said: "The York City Board are organising the celebration on behalf of the Trust Board and we are hoping for a large attendance in support of this special day.

"This is a fundraising event to contribute to the exceptional costs (£60,000) of the abortive move to Huntington Stadium which was highlighted by Terry Doyle (finance director) in this week's Evening Press.

"It will be a family day that will give our supporters an entertaining and enjoyable afternoon in return for their generosity and continued help to the club.

"I would like to specially thank Graham Bradbury for his hard work and efforts in arranging for past players to participate in the event."

Updated: 10:13 Saturday, February 21, 2004