Batchelor stands by record

Figures released by the club's administrator Jacksons Jolliffe Cork ahead of a critical creditors' meeting on March 17 showed that City's estimated deficit topped £1,850,000.

Besides 'preferential credit' cash owed in assorted tax bills, a total of 145 creditors were listed in the 50-page document issued to City's staff and creditors by the administrator.

And it was revealed that more than £890,000 of the overall deficit of £1,850,000 would be swallowed up by the projected amount to pay off the contracts of the Minstermen's playing staff.

However, Batchelor insisted to the Evening Press that if a similar cash assessment had been done a year ago when he first took over the overall estimated deficit would have been closer to £2.85million-£3million.

Of the creditors who were featured in yesterday's Press Batchelor said that only the money owed to Northcross, the firm who he hired to re-brand the club, was 'down to him'.

He added: "Everything else was agreed pre-me - the players' contracts, arrangement for coaches, even down to the shirt sponsorship. They were all done before I took over.

"It (estimated deficit) would probably have been £2.85 million to £3million when I took over because what we had to do was fund the players' wages for a year."

Batchelor added that when he took over he put in £100,000 as well as contributing another £10,000 last month during the club's spell in administration.

Meanwhile, the football club chairman refuted claims that his touring cars' team had changed its name for the upcoming season from the Team B&Q Jet York City banner it raced under last term.

Said Batchelor: "Obviously if there is a break between the racing team and the football club we will want to use a different title, but there's nothing that has been officially changed."

A full list of all creditors can be found in the York city section.

Updated: 11:53 Thursday, March 06, 2003