In Colin Jeffrey's sportsmail (Friday, November 7) he claims the football world in general would hardly notice if York City went out of existence.

If this was the case, why did we get so much support from clubs throughout the country?

I feel that the events of recent years surrounding York City have gone some way to strengthening the feeling of a 'footballing community'.

A prime example of this is the support that City, as a club, have offered to other teams facing financial difficulties.

It seems that when it comes down to the crunch, rivalry can be cast aside to a certain extent, to help ensure the survival of a club.

York City FC are not willing to stand by and watch clubs go out of existence.

The claims made by Colin Jeffrey are typical of that of a person who believes English football ends with the Premiership. York City going out of existence would not affect the Premier League, maybe not even Division One but for other clubs in Division Two and Three it would have a massive impact.

It would show just how easy it is to get into financial difficulties.

Finally, most York fans are aware of the fact only a relatively small percentage of the population support the local club. This however, is really out of our control.

Mark Bewlay,

Monkton Road,

York

A short time ago David Reynolds was widely criticised for an outrageous Sportsmail in the Evening Press in which he said Steve Beck should resign as chairman of York City.

It was with much anger I read another piece criticising the City chairman from Mr Reynolds in a national sports newspaper in which Mr Reynolds was described as a 'lifelong York City supporter'.

I would like to ask Mr Reynolds, what is your problem with Steve Beck?

How can you be a lifelong York supporter when, in your original letter to the Press, you claimed to be a Hartlepool United fan? Your stupid, ignorant comments are only damaging York City.

The club's board have done a fantastic job and I thank them for it. How about an apology to Steve Beck, Mr Reynolds? If not, stop pretending to be a City supporter and clear off up the A19 to Hartlepool.

Mike Blunt

Moorhouse

Roecliffe, York

Updated: 11:29 Thursday, November 20, 2003