THERE is no one on whom the shadows hanging over York City weigh more heavily than George and Kath Rowe.

Whereas others talk about the "beautiful game" being a part of their life, for George and Kath it is literally true.

For the last 16 years the couple reckon they have driven something like 10,000 miles a year, following City to every single away game, cup, league and pre-season. They haven't missed a match since the 1-0 home win against Bury in September, 1986.

If the club does fold, it will leave a gaping hole in their lives.

"I couldn't just say York City has finished, so from tomorrow I'm going to go and follow Scarborough or Barnsley," said George, familiar to a generation of City fans as the home match day announcer. "I don't mind driving 600 miles in a weekend to watch City, but I don't like the idea of travelling to a team we've no allegiance to."

"We've sat out there when it has been raining sometimes, and they have played rubbish and lost 4-0," said Kath. "But you're still there no matter what happens."

George, a former East End boy and Tottenham fan who became a City supporter after moving to York in 1960 to marry Kath, insists the game isn't up yet for City, however.

"I always look on the bright side," he said. "We will come out at the other end.".

Updated: 11:41 Thursday, January 16, 2003