Sea of red as fans celebrate

More than 350 fans in York City colours heeded the call to celebrate the news that the long-term future of the cherished football ground is secure with a "wear red" day.

Club director Jason McGill, who has worked tirelessly for the past six months with other members of the Supporters' Trust to win control of the property, said he was "chuffed to bits".

He said: "Whether you are part of Friends of Bootham Crescent or simply fans, this kind of event shows what a brilliant club this is. We have the best supporters in the world.

"I hope that the fans feel we have done them proud. We have fans who will always stand with this club, who will always support this club, because it is here in our hearts."

Financial director Terry Doyle, who secured Chris Brass as player manager until 2007 before the weekend, said the news brought extra stability and confidence to the club.

He said: "Now we can begin to make financial plans to make this club great again and take it back up to the First Division."

Good-natured supporters were joined by some opposition Mansfield Town fans for the short march from Bootham Row to Bootham Crescent on Saturday. Some of those who took part came from as far away as Finland.

Roy Fox, 69, who first came to see City play more than 60 years ago when admission was six pence, said he had many fond memories of Bootham Crescent and was delighted that its future was secure.

He said: "It's the best thing that has happened since the wife said: 'Yes, I'll marry you' - and that was 49 years ago."

His brother Bill, 67, said: "We started supporting the club during the war and it's been through a lot since then. There's been good times and bad times, but this is probably the best."

The occasion was also marked with the presentation of a framed edition of the Evening Press, from the day news broke that the ground was saved, by sports editor Martin Jarred.

Updated: 10:41 Monday, February 16, 2004