Being an ex-pat Yorkshiremen and closely following York City via the internet,

I was wondering if any approach had been made towards Leeds United seeking

help?

I know Leeds use the ground for reserve fixtures, but would they be interested in taking this "relationship" another step forward by owning say a percentage of the shares in the York club? It would be a similar set up to what Leeds have at Oldham.

I wish everyone involved in the Save City Campaign, all the best with the challenge. I know you will succeed.

One thing is for sure however, you can never underestimate the determination

set by Yorkshire folk if it is to salvage something they love.

It's easy to follow a successful football club in the top flight.

One has the luxury of knowing at the end of the day, win lose or draw, your club will still be financial and that the team will turn out each week trying to win honours.

This glory can then be shared by everyone involved at the club - from the chairman right down to the supporters.

But what if your club is not in the Premier league and has not won a huge

amount of silverware?

Loyal players still don the club colours each week and play their part in the "grassroot" system which has made the English football league, the greatest league in the world.

Without the minnows of the game, top flight clubs would find it increasingly

difficult to continue and playing levels throughout the leagues would invariably drop. More "big name" stars would have to be purchased on even a greater scale than what they are today, rather than home-grown talent being introduced on a regular basis.

Small clubs like York City, inspire children; aid community values; employ

people in the area; promote the city; e courage social activites; entertain

but most of all ... they are a simple but effect cog in a machine. A small piece in a large jigsaw playing their part in the grassroots system of the game.

Without York City FC, many schoolboy dreams would be shattered and the open

door to a career-path would be firmly closed.

Not all clubs can be a Manchester United. Some have to find their niche lower down the pecking order. Many supporters would tell you that they don't mind playing in division's one, two or three, as long as the team plays well, that's what counts - for many on the terraces realise at this level that the game is played from the heart.

Chris Hudson

Author

"Century of Soccer - 1899-1999" and "Grassroots Soccer - It's only a game!"

Updated: 13:02 Saturday, January 12, 2002