A PLEDGE from new chairman John Batchelor that two representatives of the York City Supporters' Trust will be appointed directors of the club has been put on hold.

The appointments will not be made until after the 'transitional period', which has seen former chairman Douglas Craig and directors Colin Webb, Barry Swallow and Josh Easby remain on board despite Batchelor's take over.

As reported in the Evening Press, Batchelor's ownership of the club was legally sealed this week ending, according to the new City supremo, 'phase one' of the transitional period.

'Phase two' centres around planning issues relating to the building of a new stadium and the future of Bootham Crescent, with the transitional period expected to last six months.

The Trust described their meeting with the City chairman as "friendly and constructive" and a promise of 25.1 per cent ownership in the club for the Trust was reiterated by Batchelor.

And despite the appointments to the boardroom being put on hold, a number of initiatives were agreed to give the fans some input into the future running of the club.

They include a regular monthly meeting between the Trust board and club directors and a regular meeting of a commercial/marketing working party to be attended by club and fan representatives.

Ideas about the improving the club's operations will be explored and a consultation process with the fans and the community about facilities at the proposed new stadium will be instigated.

Trust member Robert Havercroft welcomed the plans for regular meetings as a step forward.

He said: "Whilst the Trust still wants delivery of the original promises, we are pleased that some form of practical process for fan involvement has now been agreed."

Batchelor said: "I'm happy with the improving relationship with the Trust and I'm sure the club will move forward in partnership with the Trust very successfully."

Updated: 14:42 Friday, April 19, 2002