FOOTBALL proved itself the people's game at last week's Barbican bash when the York City Supporters' Trust was launched.

For such a momentous, historic night it was a fitting occasion; super-slick in its presentation, it balanced superbly nostalgia and good humour with looking to the future and the reality of the task at hand.

I'm sure everyone leaving the venue when the event finally closed did so with hope and passion for their club renewed.

The organisers once again did supporters, City and football proud and proved to the snipers just why the club has to be saved.

Trust steering committee member Paul Rawnsley, who hailed the formation of a Trust as "a major milestone" in the history of the club and sport in York and North Yorkshire, explained why City can be the heartbeat of the community.

"York City Football Club stirs great emotions. Often it is frustrating, occasionally it is exhilarating," he said.

"We have a vision of the club that embraces its relationships with the supporters, it is the heart of the community, it works together with schools and the council, it provides leadership and it benefits from local business.

"The club is an asset to the city and the county of North Yorkshire.

"It provides a certain status for the city and the area when each week it is mentioned in the media.

"And at times, like in the last fortnight, that coverage can be major and widespread in the national media

"The club is good for business and it is good for tourism.

"It is a leisure facility for the population and it brings visitors to the city each week

"A stronger club helps strengthen the community of York.

"With the involvement of the trust, the new York City will be there for future generations.

"We want the children of York to have a football club they want to support."

THERE were numerous encouraging things said at the meeting.

Sophie McGill, steering committee member, said: "We are absolutely convinced the Trust will help to ensure the survival of the club and secure representation for the supporters in the future ownership and operations of York City. Together we will build a stronger City."

City president and MP for Ryedale John Greenway: "Without doubt, the Trust will help to ensure a better relationship between you and me, the fans, and the people who run the club

"I know what people mean when they say York City matters.

"It matters far too much to all of us and is far too important to be allowed to die."

Paul Rawnsley, outlining the facts and figures behind the current crisis, said: "Under the management of Douglas Craig the club has the lowest reported income of all Division Three clubs and one of the highest wage bills.

"At best, this management could be described as poor. Some have described it as deliberately destructive.

"Most fans would consider it is not right that the value of the assets of the club should be going into the pockets of a few individuals rather than being reinvested in the future of professional football in York."

Graham Ibbetson, one of the members of the steering committee, said: "The Trust has a voice - a very, very strong voice.

"It will participate whether anyone likes it or not in the future of York City."

AMID all the emotions and jubilation of last Friday there was no shortage of humour.

As he took to the stage, Middlesbrough boss Steve McClaren quipped: "It's nice to see a crowd!" and then when some polite boos were aimed in his direction - McClaren claiming Barry Swallow was one of his favourite players as a youngster - he retorted: "It's just like being at home here."

The highlight of the night for many, though, was probably host Jon Champion's on-stage interview with Jack Pinder and Arthur Robinson.

The two genial gentlemen, City through and through, had the crowd hooked regaling their treasured memories of bygone days.

Pinder, at 89 City's oldest surviving ex-player, remembered how there was no chanting in his day. Instead, heckling ruled.

One time a supporter called on Reg Baines to have a pop at goal.

"Someone shouted 'Shoot Reg' only for someone else to shout 'why just shoot Reg? Shoot the lot of them!' recalled Pinder.

Robinson, City's oldest fan, remembered how Pinder would kick the post before a game to clear the mud from his boots and ensure a snug fit.

Unfortunately, on one occasion Pinder kicked a little bit too hard.

"He was carried off with a broken toe before the game had even started," said Robinson.

YOU would pay a man to create just one such moment in life but when it comes delivered free of charge on a silver platter you cock-it up.

That's what happened to City fan Paul Butler, who during the 1980s hero-worshipped Keith Walwyn to such an extent he even wrote a song about him and sent it to the City legend.

Paul, who now lives in Leeds, couldn't make it to the Barbican so imagine his surprise when he received a call from a couple of mates at the event claiming they had Walwyn by their side wanting a chat.

Perhaps not surprisingly, Paul refused to believe them and fearing he was the victim of a cruel wind-up fired some insults down the phone to Walwyn, who was trying to say just how much he enjoyed the song.

It was only after much persuading from his pals that Paul was finally convinced that he had just delivered a tongue-lashing to his all time hero.

But it was too late to deliver an apology and I understand a sheepish Paul has hardly been able to sleep since.

THE Save City campaign continues to attract nation-wide publicity and at all levels of the game.

The campaign, complete with logo, was highlighted in the match programme from Middlesbrough's Premiership clash with Charlton last Sunday.

Updated: 14:10 Saturday, February 09, 2002