FORZA City! Two of the biggest names in world football have given their backing to the 'Save York City' campaign.

Francesco Toldo, Inter Milan's Italian national team goalkeeper, and Pavel Nedved, Juventus's Czech Republic midfielder, have donated autographed gloves and boots for an auction of football memorabilia in aid of the City Supporters' Trust.

Serie A stars Toldo and Nedved despatched the autographed merchandise upon hearing about the Minstermen's plight from their UK-based international press office.

Paul Reaney, spokesman for uhlsport, manufacturers of the boots and gloves, said: "It gives uhlsport great pleasure to know that we are contributing to the York City Supporters' Trust 'Save City' campaign.

"Francesco and Pavel's admiration of English football is well documented, so when we asked them to send signed merchandise for the 'Save City' campaign it came as no surprise to receive the items by courier the next day."

Alan Fettis, City's Northern Ireland goalkeeper, was delighted with the international gesture.

He said "It's great to think that Francesco and Pavel took the time out to help the 'Save City' campaign.

"It's good to know that players at the very top of the world game care enough about the football family to send signed boots and gloves."

Sophie McGill, of the City Supporters' Trust said: "It's fantastic for the Trust to receive such great support from these world famous footballers.

"The autographed gloves and boots donated will be auctioned and as a consequence will help to raise essential funds for the Trust in our efforts to secure representation for City fans in the future ownership and operation of the club."

The date and venue for the auction is expected to be announced soon.

AS the Trust seeks to build its membership numbers, support has come from an unlikely source - Turkey.

Galatasaray supporter Emre Sehsuvaroglu heard about City's plight and promptly posted off his membership form, $15 (dollars) and a good luck message, "Go York City!"

His membership card and the grateful thanks of York City supporters are currently winging their way back to Turkey.

A FOOTBALL tournament organised to raise funds for the York City Supporters' Trust has the mark of champions.

Sports Interactive, a London-based developer responsible for the best-selling computer game 'Championship Manager', has agreed to sponsor next week's tournament, organised by the London and the south branch of the City Supporters' Club.

A total of 16 teams are taking part in the competition, being staged on Hackney Marshes next Sunday. All of the proceeds will go directly to the Trust.

Miles Jacobson, managing director of Sports Interactive, said: "As dedicated football fans, all of us at Sports Interactive have been following the events at York City with great interest.

"We think it's sad that the club is now in its current predicament, and see our sponsorship of the York City Supporters' Trust football tournament as a great way to show our support for the fans.

"We wish them all the best in their efforts to raise the necessary funds to see City continue playing in the Football League."

Marcus Cerny, the event's organiser said: "I would like to thank Sports Interactive for all their help in organising this tournament which allows supporters from teams across the country to show their support for the Trust.

"The remarkable interest shown in this tournament just goes to show that football fans are not solely obsessed with the glamour sides and that they appreciate the special importance of all clubs in football.

"I would like to invite all football fans to come along to support this event."

FORMER York City midfielder Steve Agnew has taken his first steps on the management ladder following his appointment as the assistant-boss at Gateshead.

Agnew, who boasts Leicester City and Sunderland among his former clubs, joined the UniBond League premier division side from the Minstermen in the summer.

Now, following the shock resignation of Paul Proudlock, Agnew has been handed his chance.

Proudlock stepped down after his side's disappointing defeat by Billingham in the Durham County Cup and will now be replaced by his assistant Gary Gill, with Agnew named as his number two.

ONE-TIME City junior Chris Hogg, who moved to Premiership Ipswich Town last summer, was on target for England Under 17s in their 2-2 draw with Slovakia at Stevenage Borough in midweek.

TICKETS for the Shed Seven benefit gig are said to be going extremely well.

At the latest count, almost 800 tickets had been snapped up ahead of the gig at the Barbican on Friday, March 22.

The Sheds are giving their services free and the City Of York Council have waived all fees for hiring the Barbican, so all proceeds from the gig will go direct to the Trust.

For tickets please call in at York Barbican Centre or call the ticket office on (01904) 656688.

PLACES are still available on the Travel Club coach heading to London for Tuesday night's clash with Leyton Orient.

The bus departs Bootham Crescent at 2pm with places costing £19 members and £21 non-members.

Seats are also still available on the coach heading to Luton next Saturday. It will leave Bootham Crescent at 10am with places priced at £16 and £18.

For further details, telephone the club shop on (01904) 624447 ext 4.

Updated: 11:23 Saturday, February 16, 2002