TOMORROW'S open day at Bootham Crescent marks a significant development in terms of the relationship between the club, fans and the wider community.

John Batchelor's ideas for York City may not be to everyone's taste but trying to make the faithful and families feel a part of the club again is not debatable and should be applauded.

In season's past, City supporters have been taken for granted, left to endure and be grateful for what they are given, no matter the lack of excitement.

The tide has been slowly turning for months but tomorrow's fun day should see it gather momentum.

An open day is such a simple way of making fans feel involved and appreciated while also promoting the club. It is long overdue.

The day's free entertainment kicks-off at around 12.30pm when fans will see the first team squad being put through their paces before the players are made available for autographs and pictures.

A children's football skills challenge will be staged on the pitch, the York City Racing Team will also be in attendance, with the entertainment also including a bouncy castle and prize raffle.

Supporters will get a chance to see behind the scenes at Bootham Crescent, with the boardroom, changing-rooms and hospitality suites open for supporters to view.

The club shop and City's newly refurbished social club bar will be open with food available, while members of the Supporters' Trust, who are heavily involved in the day, and the Harrogate Minstermen will be in attendance.

CONFUSION surrounds the transfer window saga but York City chief Terry Dolan remains unconcerned.

Although the Premier League has agreed to the changes - the close season window was ending today - the Football League are 'optimistic' that they will get dispensation from FIFA.

Optimism is not much use to lower league clubs uncertain whether they can add to their often threadbare squads.

A definitive answer from the Football League should have been forthcoming by now.

However, at least Dolan is not worrying.

"I don't think it will affect us at all," he explained.

"We won't be looking to bring anyone else in at this time and the only person who might be going out is Russell Howarth."

YORK City's youth team bosses will not be following up their interest in Zimbabwe-born striker Brighton Mugadze.

As reported in the Evening Press, the youngster has been on trial at City this month trying to earn a three-year-scholarship with the Minstermen.

However, youth coach Brian Neaves told the Evening Press Mugadza was 'not quite what we are looking for'.

The club currently has a vacancy in their intermediate ranks following Lee Grant's decision to reject an offer of a scholarship at Bootham Crescent in favour of joining Aston Villa.

But Neaves said there would be no rush to fill the void.

"We will keep looking at the situation but if needs be we will simply bring a player up from the Under-16s to play in games, as we did last season," he explained.

THE youth team, who were without a game today after picking up their first Youth Alliance North East Conference point of the season following a 3-3 draw with Hartlepool last Saturday, this week welcomed back Levent Yalcin from his recent spell with Turkey Under-18s.

Yalcin featured as the Turks beat Russia 3-0 in their opening game but was withdrawn after ten minutes of the second match suffering from a thigh strain.

Turkey lost the match 4-2.

Fellow youth team player Graeme Law has also returned to Bootham Crescent following a two-day trial with the Scottish Under-18 squad.

He is now waiting to hear if he has been selected.

THEY were renowned for taking no prisoners on the football pitch now ex-City heroes Wayne Hall and Steve Tutill are keeping an even more watchful eye.

Having been forced to hang up their boots, the Evening Press understands that both Hall and Tutill - so-solid defenders in City's cause - are now working as prison wardens.

Hall is reportedly working at Full Sutton, while Tutill is serving in the Hull area.

THE next meeting of the Harrogate Minstermen, a branch of the York City Supporters' Club, will take place on Monday at the Board Inn, Knaresborough, starting at 8pm.

Guest of honour on the night will be City skipper Chris Brass.

The HM will also be making the raffle draw for a framed York City shirt, signed by the current England Under-21 squad.

Representatives will also be in attendance at tomorrow's Bootham Crescent open day in the club shop.

THE Yorkie Bars got their season off to a super start after posting a 14-3 mauling of Torquay United.

Neil Faddy led the way for the Bars, a team made up of City fans brought together by the Internet, scoring four, with Dave Ward and Alex Beddingham both bagging two.

Will Thornton, Matty Haw, Michael Stockdale, Greg Stone and Chris Sutherland were the other scorers with an own goal adding to the collection.

Last Saturday, the Bars went down 3-2 to Scunthorpe United in controversial circumstances.

With the scores locked at 2-2 - both York goals coming from Stockdale - the Iron scored the winner as the Bars waited for their opponents to kick the ball out while an injured player received treatment.

NEXT Friday night's hosts Bury are offering a special VIP package for travelling City fans who want to wine and dine at Gigg Lane before taking in the game.

The package includes a car park pass, Bucks Fizz reception, four-course meal, bar facilities before and after the match, match programme, half-time refreshments and reserved main stand ticket.

The cost is £30 per person, £25 for juniors.

To pre-book, telephone the Bury commercial department on 0161 705 2144.

Peter the 'hit-man' strikes out at the top

PETER Duffield has taken the lead in the Evening Press player of the year rankings.

Ahead of this afternoon's long trek to Swansea, Duffield had bagged five goals in five games and also went nap in the points stakes.

Duffield received the man of the match accolade against Boston United and so gained the three points to add to the two he picked up at Scunthorpe last Saturday.

Man of the match at Glanford Park went to previous leader Jon Parkin, who now lies just one point behind hit-man 'Duffs'.

Chris Smith has moved into third place after picking up two points against Boston, a worthy reward for another polished display.

Fellow defender Tom Cowan picked up his first points of the season, taking the one point on offer in both games.

In each game three points are awarded to the City man of the match, two points to the next best and one point to the third best.

The Evening Press is looking for sponsorship of the prestigious award.

We will supply a trophy, but any individual or company who would like to offer a winner's cheque should contact Dave Stanford at the Evening Press sports desk, telephone 01904 567138 or e-mail dave.stanford@ycp.co.uk for further details.

Points placings: Duffield 8pts, Parkin 7, Smith 5, Brass 3, Beresford 2, Cowan 2, Edmondson 1, Jones 1, Nogan 1.

Updated: 11:51 Saturday, August 31, 2002