THE York City Supporters' Trust today proclaimed John Batchelor's take-over at York City as a 'victory for the fans and community'.

And while the fans' body has now achieved one of its initial objectives - saving the club - it insisted its work is far from over.

Under Batchelor's acquisition, the Trust said it will have a 25.1 per cent stake in the ownership of the Minstermen.

Two members will also be appointed to the board, ensuring the Trust will play a major role in the future running of the club.

Graham Ibbetson, chair of the Trust, hailed it as a great day for the city of York.

He said: "The true supporters of York City have now helped deliver a brighter future for professional sport in York.

"We thank John Batchelor for his leadership and efforts over recent weeks and we now look forward to working with him to help run the club.

"The club needs a massive culture change such that in the future it works more closely with the supporters, the community, the council, local schools and businesses - a club that the fans and the City can be proud of."

Trust representatives will meet again with Batchelor next week to agree more details of their working relationship while the business and financial planning implications of the take-over will be reviewed.

The Save City Campaign kicked-off at the beginning of January with the assistance of the Evening Press and the Trust was formed just six weeks ago.

It now has a membership of around 1,500 and has raised almost £100,000.

Paul Rawnsley, a City supporter who helped kick-start the Save City campaign and is now vice-chair of the Trust, said: "We've done it. We, the supporters, have helped save our club. A huge amount of organisation and hard work has gone into the campaign and everyone should be proud of the achievements.

"However, the hard work is not over. In the future, the new York City will be seeking more support than everbefore from the fans, the community, the council and local businesses."

Sophie McGill, a prominent figure throughout the Save City campaign and now media spokesperson for the Trust said: "What the fans have achieved is fantastic.

Together with John, the Trust will now be looking to establish a medium to long term business plan for the club that integrates the supporter and community relationships with business objectives.

"Through the Trust, the supporters will now own 25.1% of the club and have a big part to play in how the club is run in the future.

"That's why it is still important for more people to continue to join up as Trust members."

Steve Ovenden, City mascot Yorkie and a key figure in the Save City campaign and the Trust, offered a big thank you to the fans.

He said: "The fans deserve great credit for the way in which they have united and acted positively over the past few weeks, in particular given the circumstances that brought about this crisis.

"The Supporters' Trust, John Batchelor and the club needs everyone's support over the next few weeks, months and years and I hope we can build a new club to be really proud of."

Updated: 09:19 Friday, March 15, 2002