FOR York City fans it will be a night to treasure.

The launch of the York City Supporters' Trust was packed with memories, stirring speeches, razzmatazz and above all a sense of hope and unity.

Although it touched on the past the heartbeat of the evening was about the club's future.

There was the sight of Labour political rivals Hugh Bayley and John Grogan, MPs for York and Selby respectively, linking arms with City president John Greenway, the Conservative MP for Ryedale.

Greenway told the 800-strong audience that he had become increasingly concerned about the deterioration in the relationship between the current board and fans.

The shadow minister for sport, a City fan for 28 years, insisted the supporters' group had a vital role to play ion the future of the Minstermen.

"The last few years have not been the happiest of times for the club and the recent cup run was all the more enjoyable because of the disappointment of the past few seasons," he said.

"I have become increasingly disappointed and uneasy with the growing tension between some sections of supporters and the board.

"Clearly, this has got to change if we want to secure the long term viability and success of York City.

"We have got to encourage bigger attendances at matches. I believe these aims and objectives will be more easily achieved by the creation of this Trust.

"If someone buys the club outright the Trust has a role. If not, the Trust will be the only route to securing York City's future."

It was revealed the City Trust, now one of 45 across the country, has been established in record time.

The celebrations also recorded the biggest turnout of fans for a trust launch given the size of the club.

The evening was hosted by one of the most respected voices in English football, York-born commentator Jon Champion.

The ITV commentator interviewed several former Minstermen heroes who were given a rapturous welcome when they were introduced.

He said: "Six weeks ago came the announcement that the club was up for sale.

"I feel, and it is only a personal view, that it is sad that we are here because it is an indication that our club is under threat.

"But I do prefer to see the launch of the Supporters' Trust as a positive and it is my fervent hope that York City will emerge from the trauma of recent weeks in a much healthier state."

Paul Rawnsley, a member of the Trust's 13-strong steering committee, hailed the formation of the Trust as "a major milestone" in the history of the club and sport in York and North Yorkshire.

Updated: 11:49 Monday, February 04, 2002