AS the race to kick-start York RL hots up, the Evening Press has underlined its support for the new professional club by posting its plea to the city.

The award-winning newspaper - which has led the official "Kick-start York RL campaign" - has designed and paid for campaign posters to be distributed across the city in pubs, clubs, homes, businesses and car windows.

The new club needs money in the bank now to be allowed to play in the league next season and these Evening Press posters urge fans, businesses and the public to sign up for club membership to help raise that cash.

The posters, along with corresponding information leaflets, are going up across the city as supporters are doing their bit to spread the word.

John Thorpe, a supporter of over 40 years' standing, put up the first one. "We're glad the Evening Press is behind us and has shown so much support," he said.

"People in the city should contribute to the new club and help to make it a success. It's time some people stopped whingeing about this and that and got on with it. It's time for action."

He also praised the efforts of likely chief executive Steve Ferres and leading supporters' trust members Gary Hall and Roger Dixon, who have worked tirelessly to get the new club started.

"The likes of Steve, Gary and Roger want thanking for what they've done.

"They seem to be the kind of people any club would want to take them forward. Steve, for example, has done it all before and is well respected in rugby circles."

Thorpe, who was also the official time-keeper for the former York Wasps club, added: "I just hope I will be able to time-keep again. I don't want the Workington match (the last Wasps game before they folded) to be the last time I ever did it."

York's plans received a massive boost yesterday with the announcement that former Great Britain international Paul Broadbent will be the club's new coach - subject to York RL getting back in the league.

Broadbent was in action for Wakefield Trinity against Leeds at Belle Vue last night in a Super League game which saw the Rhinos run out 30-16 winners.

Broadbent, 34, is the holder of eight Great Britain caps, and is pencilled in as York's new player-coach.

He is expected to be at a York RL public meeting at Huntington Stadium on Wednesday, starting at 7pm.

With a week left until the August 31 deadline set by the Rugby Football League for the club to have £75,000 in the bank a big push to get the cash is underway.

So far the club have £46,500 so rugby league followers need to act quickly to get the club off the ground.

For further details on how to contribute contact Steve Ferres on 07976 155345 or log on to the Evening Press website www.thisisyork.co.uk/york/sport and follow the Kick-start York RL link.

Updated: 11:46 Saturday, August 24, 2002