FORMER York City chairman Douglas Craig has called on the City of York Council to help the club search for a new home.

Craig, who had been in the Bootham Crescent hot-seat for 11 years, stood down from the club's board of directors yesterday.

John Batchelor, who took over as chairman from Craig in March, was meeting planners today about his scheme to build a new stadium at Clifton Moor.

Batchelor has demanded a more positive approach from the council - a view supported by Craig.

The former chairman said that the council had stressed the need for the club's survival when it was put up for sale earlier in the year.

"The council should now co-operate and help the club find a site for the new stadium," he said.

Craig, who remains as chairman of Bootham Crescent Holdings, the effective owners of City's ground, said he would continue to be a supporter of the club.

Reflecting on his time at the helm, Craig said that Wembley and the League Cup victory over Manchester United were highlights.

"There is another cup match which rarely gets a mention - the League Cup game at QPR (the round after the Manchester United tie). The level of support that night was absolutely fantastic."

However, Craig believes it is the lack of a fan numbers that may prevent the club from making real progress.

"There is, at the end of the day a sufficient large number of people who are willing and able to go to Bootham Crescent."

Updated: 11:56 Tuesday, July 30, 2002