MOTOR racing tycoon John Batchelor is to offer York City's Supporters' Trust a minimum 20 per cent slice of the club if he gains control.

Batchelor met with representatives from the Trust yesterday and put the offer on the table when discussing exactly what his bid contained and what role the supporters would have in his plans.

He told the Evening Press: "The Trust wanted to know who else would be coming in on the board if I was to get preferred bidder status. There would be people from Formula One, property developers and members of the Trust itself.

"I am willing to offer the Trust at least 20 per cent of the club's share at a very reasonable price. The Trust would dictate the price, it would depend on what they could offer.

"I have done deals in motor racing where I have put logos on cars for free expecting a little back in return but have got nothing, the interest is no longer there. This way it keeps the interest going."

Spokesperson for the Trust, Sophie McGill said: "The offer was put across at the meeting with the intention to help safeguard the club's future."

The Trust and Batchelor also discussed the playing side for the club and plans to move away from Bootham Crescent to a new multi-functional stadia.

McGill added: "The Trust will be meeting with all parties interested - we are meeting John Stabler and Russell Greenfield on Monday.

"It is important for us to keep our options open and to analyse the options in detail to see which is the best for York City."

Updated: 16:56 Friday, February 08, 2002