DEMOCRATIC principles, openness and inclusiveness will be the cornerstones of the newly formed York City Supporters Trust.

Steering committee members Michael Shannon and Steve Beck outlined the constitution of the newly formed Trust

"What I would like to assure everybody is at the end of the day everyone wants to see a team that we can be proud of. I want you to be proud of the Trust and the club," said Shannon.

Beck said: "What we really need is your ideas, suggestions and your criticisms.

"Remember, we will listen to what you have to say. The work of the Trust will go on whether you join or not but we do need your help to succeed.

"The first £1 of your membership fee is the most important. That buys you your share and no matter how much anyone puts into the trust we each have one equal share. That gives you a vote and we are a totally democratic society; one member one vote.

"If you disagree the way the trust is run you can vote to change things. It is your club, you are its members.

"The board of the trust will be its mouthpiece but you will be the voice and that voice will be heard loud and clear."

The constitution guarantees two things: the Trust must operate for the benefit of the community it serves and Trust members and its officer will not profit from the Trust

The 14-strong steering committee who will now carry forward the work of the Trust until elections are held were given a massive mandate to carry out their work by a unanimous show of hands.

The steering committee has pledged to fight to ensure the continuation of professional football in York and secure representation for supporters at boardroom level.

Elections will be held at the Trust AGM in May when the committee will then be elected by Trust members.

Every member of the Trust will have one vote and any member can be nominated to serve on the committee.

Once the committee has been elected it will have the power to co-opt four members representing different areas of the community.

Updated: 11:46 Monday, February 04, 2002