RUGBY fans across York were left stunned today after the death knell finally sounded for Wasps.

The collapse of a deal which would have seen a new owner take over has sealed the fate of the 134-year-old club.

Russell Greenfield, who resigned as vice-chairman yesterday along with the entire board, said the rescue package to save the club before today's 3pm deadline had fallen through.

Many of the club's supporters were left distraught and shocked by the sudden nature of the decision.

The Lord Mayor of York, Councillor Irene Waudby, said: "This is very sad news. We have always said that we value having professional sport in the city and it is a real shame that just a few days after the football club has been saved York Wasps is having to go under.

"My own thoughts are with the players, their families and, of course, the fans who have supported York Wasps through thick and thin over many, many years."

Ryedale MP John Greenway, whose constituency includes Huntington Stadium, home ground of York Wasps, added: "I am very disappointed, but I am not surprised.

"It is very sad but I think what it shows is that professional sport cannot be sustained on the current level of income and support through the turnstiles. I would hope we would see the club re-emerge."

Speaking today, Mr Greenfield said the board had tried everything to save Wasps.

Only yesterday, he had been hopeful that a buyer had been found and that a deal would be confirmed today.

Mr Greenfield said: "I feel sick. I am absolutely gutted. This is the last thing we wanted to do. This is a terrible day."

Meanwhile, former Wasps old boys have also spoken of their sadness at the decision.

Walter Rawson, 80, who played between 1939 and 1948 said it was terrible news.

Mr Rawson, who is treasurer of the ex-players association, said: "We will still keep fighting. That's all we can do."

Another former player, Denzil Webster, added: "I am devastated really. I was quite hopeful last night. "It is sad news that there will be no professional club in York."

Gary Hall, who organised a meeting to try and save the club, added: "I'm totally devastated. We thought there was this white knight on the horizon."

Supporters hope for more time

YORK Wasps supporters today launched a last-ditch bid to buy the club more time after learning the proposed takeover had collapsed.

Gary Hall - who has led plans to form a supporters' trust - wants the Rugby Football League to allow the club to pull out of the National League Cup, which would effectively give them until June to get finances in place to resume league action. The cup runs from this Friday until the end of May, after which the league season resumes.

The RFL was unavailable to comment on the proposal, but its statement added: "Should any new consortium come forward then they will have to submit an application and business plan for consideration by the RFL.

"The RFL are considering the implications in relation to the National League Cup and will make a further announcement tomorrow."

Updated: 16:27 Tuesday, March 26, 2002