A THIRD mystery party emerged today in the race to save York City, the Evening Press can reveal.

Despite Thursday's noon deadline for bidders to come forward having long since passed, administrators admitted they are still willing to accept offers for the stricken club.

Just one firm bid for the Minstermen was tabled on Thursday with another prospective purchaser indicating it intended to submit a bid in the near future.

But it now appears a third would-be owner is waiting in the wings and could yet enter the fray.

David Willis, of insolvency experts Jacksons Jolliffe Cork, said: "Our understanding is that there may be another interested party.

"We spoke to them on Thursday and they remained undecided.

"We have not spoken to them since, so we will just have to wait and see whether they will follow up their initial interest.

"We have heard conflicting views as to whether they will or not."

The confirmed bid, described as "workable" by Willis, is believed to have been lodged by a southern-based millionaire while the pending offer involves a businessman from the north of England.

In contrast, the Evening Press understands the new party to emerge is being led by a York-based businessman with connections in West Yorkshire.

Despite admitting his door remains open to offers, Willis urged any parties still weighing up a bid to move sharply.

"We are still willing to listen to anyone prepared to make an offer but they really do need to move quickly," he said. "We are already moving forward with the offer we have got - we have to, as it is the only firm offer we have actually received.

"But in the meantime and before we complete any deal, if something else comes up and they can fit in with our funding time-scale then we would consider it."

Although just one firm bid had been made, Willis said he was 'encouraged' by the amount of interest shown in the Minstermen.

He also praised the Supporters' Trust for agreeing to fund the club through the next four weeks.

"Had we reached Thursday's deadline with no interest then, genuinely, today's game against Swansea City would have been the last match," he added. "It is very encouraging we have got one firm offer and it is equally encouraging that the Trust have made funds available to enable us to continue trading."

Updated: 11:33 Saturday, January 18, 2003