MAY I congratualate the board, staff and players at York City on the news that they are to stay at Bootham Crescent.

Growing up in York in the 1970s and 80s I spent many afternoons and evenings on the terraces cheering on City, including my favourite match in January 1985, the 1-0 FA Cup victory over Arsenal.

Events in recent years, though viewed from afar via the Evening Press website (www.thisisyork.co.uk), have been very frustrating.

While back in York for a Christmas visit this year, I went with my daughter for what I expected to be a last visit to Bootham Crescent and soaked up the atmosphere on a cold day as City managed a 1-0 win over Kidderminster.

I am delighted that December 21, 2003 will not be my last visit to the old ground.

Mark Seaman,

Manama,

Bahrain

Updated: 10:13 Saturday, February 14, 2004