FORMER members of an unofficial York City fans' organisation set up over two decades ago have given their full backing to the club's new owner.

The organisation, known as York Nomad Societ (YNS), was originally set up in the early 1980s.

Fans involved from the start said the YNS was formed to offer cheap travel to away games.

Original members still regularly attend games, though no longer describe themselves as the YNS.

Founder member Frank Ormston said: "Most people are very optimistic about the club's future. We are relieved that Mr Craig is no longer chairman and does not own the club any more.

"Perhaps the optimism is slightly guarded, as there have been false dawns at other clubs in the past when new owners have come in.

"On the whole though people are happy. One aspect that is especially pleasing to me is the supporters' trust has a good share hold in the club.

"That is very important and something I am delighted to see."

Another former long-term member, who asked not to be named, said: "After speaking with some of the old heads and some of the new, everyone is in general agreement that JB's take-over in conjunction with the Supporters' Trust is the most positive thing to come out of Bootham Crescent for years.

"However there are those who feel it is putting off the closure of York until a later date. They can't seem to share the euphoria that Douglas Craig is going, and are questioning where the funding is coming from. While bearing this in mind, we are not a negative bunch and fully support the noises coming from the new chairman.

"This is to be expected in the current climate and, for myself, JB has got five years to make an impact before dissenting voices are heard again."

New chairman John Batchelor said that anyone bringing a positive attitude to York City is welcome at the club.

"If there is an opportunity for us to do good things in the community with various groups and organisations then great.

"There are a lot of organisations that support York City, such as the supporters' club and supporters' trust.

"We will be looking to talk to all of them over the next few months to see how we can best utilise their talents for the club."

It is thought that over 1,000 different York fans have travelled to a game with the YNS since the group began.

The YNS set up a very early football fanzine, Terrace Talk, and also launched a fund to help people living near Bootham Crescent pay for damage to their property caused by away fans.

The original YNS is not connected to the We Are York website using the YNS name, featured in a recent Evening Press article.

The site was removed from the Internet shortly after the article was printed.

Updated: 11:38 Wednesday, April 03, 2002