JOHN Batchelor's latest ideas for the development of York City are encouraging. The club has not made the most of its unique business position, but the long-overdue opening of a city centre club shop will begin to address that.

Mr Batchelor's proposed sports bar could do well too. Similar ventures have proved popular in other cities.

Just think: if the bar had been open last night, it would have been packed with City fans in need of a drink after their team contrived to miss yet another penalty.

Updated: 11:22 Wednesday, April 10, 2002