THE York City Supporters' Trust have expressed their hopes for a positive future for the football club after a meeting with new chairman John Batchelor.

However, it has emerged the 'transitional period' that sees the four 'old' directors of the club, Douglas Craig, Josh Easby, Barry Swallow and Colin Webb, remaining in the boardroom could last for at least six months.

The Supporters' Trust were initially led to believe the transitional period would last only a matter of weeks.

However, the period will now last until planning matters regarding Bootham Crescent and a new stadium have been resolved.

The Trust said Batchelor did give clear assurances that his 'fresh approach' by the club is up and running and is being led by himself, the 100 per cent owner of the club.

He also insisted to the Trust that the club directors remain only on the basis of "being available for consultation on certain operational matters should the need arise".

The Trust were also reassured by the new City chairman, who has only been in charge for 16 working days, that City would engage fans and community in the future.

Trust representative Sophie McGill said: "In many respects, a cleaner break from the past would have been more desirable.

"Next week, we hope to make some more progress with John about how the fans and community can be involved in practical ways to help the club in the immediate future. We are not prepared to simply stand by and watch what happens for the next 12 months.

"John has acknowledged that we have much to offer; now we want some substance to his words."

Batchelor's meeting with Trust representatives was the first in a series aimed at clarifying various 'uncertainties' surrounding the club and establishing ways in which the fans and the community can contribute to helping City in the future.

McGill said: "While we recognise that John has only been chairman for a few weeks, we have been rather frustrated and concerned regarding various matters.

"The Supporters' Trust has the best interests of the club, the fans and the community at our heart. Having heard what John had to say, the general mood of those who attended was positive."

The meeting, held prior to City's game with Carlisle on Tuesday, covered various topics including the ownership of the club, the transition period, the ownership of Bootham Crescent, the agreement with Persimmon Homes and club directors.

According to the Trust, Batchelor confirmed the recently announced sponsorship deal with Persimmon Homes has no conditions attached to the current or future ownership of Bootham Crescent.

Batchelor gave assurances that the club will continue to play its home matches at Bootham Crescent until a new stadium is built despite no announcement being made that the lease terms between Bootham Crescent Holdings plc and the club for the use of the football ground have changed.

However, Steve Ovenden, of the Supporters' Trust, expressed satisfaction at the generally positive outcome of the meeting.

He said: "There are still some areas of uncertainty that we will seek to clarify in due course."

Batchelor reaffirmed his commitment to giving two seats on the board to representatives of the Trust and further talks on that matter are planned.

Updated: 11:52 Thursday, April 11, 2002