York City's Supporters' Trust raised an amazing £500,000 during the first 18 months of its existence.

And City's Trust board member Paul Rawnsley now believes that the group is one of the 'best supported in the world' in terms of relative fan bases.

The Trust's accounts were released today and show that between the period of January 2002 and June 2003, City fans contributed more than £450,000 towards the supporters group's aim of taking over the crisis football club.

That figure was boosted by the £50,000 donated by club director Jason McGill, as part of the Trust's Rescue Package, meaning the magical £500,000 mark was reached.

Just as remarkable, when football clubs are losing money hand over fist and, in the same week that neighbours Leeds United reported losses of £50million, City operated with a deficit (the excess of expenditure over income) of just £5,110 for the 18-month period.

And, on June 30, the Trust also boasted £14,408 in the bank and in hand.

In total, the Trust received £455,826 including £176,000 from the loan notes scheme, a remarkable £60,000 from bucket collections and more than £150,000 from fundraising exercises and donations with Fulham fans handing over £25,000 and supporters from other football clubs approximately £10,000.

The Trust's out-goings of £451,209 included £126,000 contributed towards the survival of the club while the Rescue Package was being completed, £212,000 invested in the new York City company and £49,000 of other expenditure.

Trust board member Rawnsley, who monitored financial affairs at the club during the 18-month period, said: "It was a quite remarkable effort by the Trust, by all the City supporters and by all the fans around the country that backed us.

"There were many doubters that did not think that we could do it but we stayed strong and eventually, by the skin of our teeth, we saved the club and have now got an opportunity to build a better York City. The Trust, as a body, has got nearly 2,000 paid-up members, which, I believe, in terms of our fan base would make it one of the best supported trusts in the world."

Rawnsley (pictured above) estimates that gate receipts (£600,000), money from the Football League and grants (£400,000) and commercial revenue (£500,000) currently raise the £1.5million a year required to help the club run on an even keel.

But he also urged fans and the local business community to continue supporting the club as much as possible.

He said: "A club like ours needs as much positive support and contributions both from fans and business companies as it can get. That's vital for the club's future.

"But the single key issue that needs to be resolved for the club is to have a decent home stadium which, at the moment, overshadows everything."

Updated: 10:39 Thursday, October 30, 2003