GRAHAM Potter is banking on York City's simmering promotion hopes to reach boiling point tomorrow as the Minstermen prepare to welcome relegation threatened Exeter City to Bootham Crescent.

In arguably the club's biggest home game for almost a decade, the Minstermen can move a giant step closer to securing a prized play-off place with victory over the Grecians.

For Potter, one of Terry Dolan's first permanent signings for the club, securing a play-off prize would be the culmination of three years hard graft.

Describing tomorrow's clash with Exeter as 'massive', the former Birmingham, Southampton and West Brown ace told the Evening Press: "The club has changed around so much in the time I've been here.

"When I first came, I think it was probably one of the worst dressing-rooms I have ever been in. Team spirit wise, it was awful.

"Now, it's probably the best dressing-room I've been in. This really is a good set of lads.

"And after the last two seasons, which have been a real grind, we are just about where we want to be.

"But we have to make sure we finish the job, get a couple of wins and get in the play-offs.

"Then it will be cup football and anything can happen."

Having got so close to the promised land that is a top seven finish amid a backdrop of torrid financial troubles for the club, Potter, who spurned overtures from Exeter to join City in 2000, admitted slipping up now would be a particularly bitter pill to swallow.

"It would be a shame to let it slip through our fingers now," he reasoned.

"Given what has happened this season off the field, we have already had a good season.

"But we want to finish it off by getting into the play-offs.

"We have stuck together and been there or thereabouts all season.

"We merit a place in the top seven but we have to get the points and be there on May 3 - that is the most important thing.

"We are almost there but just need to get over the finish line. If we can get three points on Saturday then that will be a big help."

Adding extra spice to tomorrow's duel is the fact Exeter arrive at Bootham Crescent in desperate need for three points themselves to boost their fight against the drop.

But while conceding City's recent form has been disappointing, Potter reckons the Minstermen's home record - they have lost just twice in the League this term at Bootham Crescent - coupled with some more fervent fan backing should stand the hosts in good stead.

"We've had success by sticking together and we just need everyone behind us. A big crowd would be brilliant," he said.

"The supporters have been fantastic throughout all the troubles and we know we haven't played well in the last couple of games.

"But this is a chance for us to put it right, so let's hope we can do it."

Updated: 11:55 Friday, April 25, 2003