MINSTERMEN bidders John Stabler and Russell Greenfield have outlined their desire to see the York City Supporters' Trust heavily involved in the future running of the club.

The duo have met the £4.5 million asking price for the football club and its ground, Bootham Crescent, and have said that if their bid is successful they would more than welcome the Trust on board.

"We would want very much to have the Supporters' Trust with us," said Greenfield.

"They have got a lot of expertise and knowledge. Things have to go forward and we must look forward. York City has to be run by people who have the club at heart and the Supporters' Trust have got City at heart."

He added: "We would go backwards, forwards and sideways to help the Supporters' Trust run the club. We would be expecting their expertise in all their fields to run it.

"They have done a marvellous job so far and I think that's the future for clubs like York."

The Trust was formed on Friday night in record time but Greenfield said no agreements had yet been made with the Trust regarding their involvement should the duo be successful with their bid.

But he said introductory discussions have taken place, and added: "I'm willing to meet any of their members to discuss it further. We would like to have the Trust on board to basically allow their expertise to run the club."

Stabler and Greenfield are chairman and vice-chairman, respectively, of York Wasps Rugby League Club but have stressed that their bid is independent of the rugby club.

"We want to buy Bootham Crescent Holdings to secure the futures of York City and York Wasps, which would be run completely separately.

"Our bid for York City is nothing to do with York Wasps. We happen to be directors of York Wasps but this is an unconnected bid. We've got two hats - a City hat and a Wasps hat - and we want both to be successful."

Supporters' Trust spokesperson Sophie McGill said: "Representatives from the Supporters' Trust have made contact with Russell Greenfield and John Stabler.

"Like the other interested parties we have spoken to, they expressed their belief that the Supporters' Trust will play a pivotal role in the future operation of the club and were keen to meet with our representatives to discuss matters further."

"Both Greenfield and Stabler stated they were 100 per cent behind the Trust and felt that the work of the Trust, with the backing of the supporters, would be key to the future success of the club."

She added: "The Supporters' Trust is in talks with all stakeholders at present and is keen to seek a collaborative approach to ensure a future for York City Football Club."

The Trust have also had informal discussions with the other City bidder, motorsport magnates John Batchelor.

Updated: 11:39 Monday, February 04, 2002