FORMER York City chairman John Batchelor expressed his delight today at the deal to keep York City at Bootham Crescent - but said it was "tinged with regret" that he had not been able to manage it himself.

Mr Batchelor, who was in charge of the club from March 2002 until February 2003, said he wished the football club "all the best".

He said: "Football is not in a great place at the moment, but I am glad it has all worked out well for them.

"It is tinged with regret in that the collapse of the ITV Digital deal means I am not still at the helm. But I wish them all the best."

Mr Batchelor was speaking as York City fans continued to show their joy that the club would be staying at their historical home.

The Evening Press revealed yesterday that the club had struck a deal to call the ground their home for the "foreseeable future" - ending months of tense negotiations.

George and Kath Rowe, from Stockton Lane, York, have not missed a City game, home or away, for many years.

George, 65, who helps run the club's lottery, told the Evening Press: "I'm highly delighted that York City will remain at Bootham Crescent. We have fought hard for the past 18 months and it's finally paid off.

"The atmosphere in the social club as the news was announced was fantastic. It was a very emotional meeting. Most of the women were crying, but I kept a stiff upper lip."

Kath said: "We knew something was in the wind, but this is just fantastic. "Nobody wanted to go to Huntington Stadium."

Terry Binnington, 44, of Heworth, York, said "It's fantastic news. I used to be a big fan years ago, but now I only go to the big games. It's a great result for the club and the supporters."

Caroline Gillings, 21, of Barmby Moor, near Pocklington, said "It's good news for the city of York. I would've been sad to see it go."

Chilli Stenson, 32, of Fulford Road, York, said "It's great to hear that a small club such as York City is still surviving and can keep going."

Paula Jackson, 30, of Huntington, York, said: "I'm pleased that York City can remain at Bootham Crescent in their home city of York."

Updated: 10:22 Thursday, February 05, 2004