THE Supporters' Trust today unveiled the first directors of the new York City.

The initial directors of York City Football Club Limited, all elected members of the Trust Board, are Steve Beck, Mike Brown and Sophie McGill.

All are life-long City fans and have been hugely involved in the 'Save City' campaign and the formation and running of the Trust since January 2002.

Beck has been involved with the Supporters' Club for many years, in particular the London & South Branch.

He now runs his own accounting and business advisory service from his North Yorkshire base. Beck has played a leading role in the Trust's negotiations and business activities, particularly over the past six months.

Brown lives in Selby with his partner and two children and is managing director of an Internet marketing agency based in York. Brown has been responsible for the Trust's Internet activities and has also been involved in the take-over negotiations.

McGill is the club's former public relations executive.

Now working in her family business in Malton, she polled the most votes of all candidates at the Trust's election for board members. Since January 2002, McGill has also played a leading role in the Trust's communications strategy.

Beck said: "The Supporters' Trust is on the verge of one of the most significant events in the history of York City.

"The Trust's plans not only rescue the club from extinction, but also provide an incredible opportunity to create a new community-based club that is driven by the passion and commitment of all of the supporters.

"We know that there are substantial hurdles to overcome, but with the support of the whole York community, we will succeed."

The Trust said today it intended to appoint more new directors from outside its own 11-strong board 'in due course'.

A number of Trust Board positions will also be up for re-election again later this year.

Until the deal is completed with the administrator, York City Football Club Limited is, in effect, just a shell company.

York City Football Club Limited is a newly incorporated company of the Trust that will take on the business and assets of York City Association Football & Athletic Club Plc, which is currently in administration.

The new company is owned by the Trust, which in turn is owned by its members - in effect the fans are on the verge of owning their club through the supporters' organisation.

With its current membership standing at just over 1,400 and with around 400 people yet to renew last year's membership, the fans' body appealed for more supporters to join the Trust.

At the same time, the Trust is continuing with its final fundraising push to help to save the club.

At least £200,000 is needed by Monday, when creditors will vote on the Trust's proposed take-over, in order for its bid to be workable.

With less than 48 hours to the deadline, the current total banked by the Trust is £155,000.

As well as preparing for next week's anticipated take-over, Trust representatives were today due to hold talks with a number of influential figures in the game.

The Trust were meeting with Alan Keen, Labour MP and a member of the Culture, Media and Sport select committee, ahead of today's clash against fellow basement promotion hopefuls Bournemouth.

Updated: 08:51 Saturday, March 15, 2003