ORGANISERS of tomorrow's Fans United Day have issued a final rallying call to supporters to join them.
Fans from rival clubs are being urged to meet by the statue of Roman emperor Constantine outside the Minster at 1.30pm prior to City's Division Three clash with Lincoln City.
In what is hoped will be a massive show of fan unity, the supporters will then march to Bootham Crescent together in time for the 3pm kick-off.
Fans United events have been staged successfully by Brighton and Wimbledon supporters when their clubs were in similar troubles to City.
Just as happened at Brighton and Wimbledon, City fans are hoping supporters will come from far and wide to boost the attendance and atmosphere at Bootham Crescent and help publicise the Minstermen's plight.
It is also hoped the event will help celebrate the official launch of the City Supporters Trust, which takes place at the Barbican tonight.
Pete Brandon, one of the organisers of the Fans United event, said clubs and supporters group's from across Britain had been contacted and is hopeful for a positive response.
He also appealed for supporters of other clubs who live in York to wear their team colours, join the march, attend the match and stand together on the terraces at Bootham Crescent.
"The response so far has been great and while it is difficult to tell just how many will join us it looks like a lot of people are planning to come," he said.
"I've heard there is a coach coming up from Brighton and a lot of fans from Wimbledon are also planning to be here, as well as a sizeable group from Sheffield United.
"Supporters from Lincoln City will obviously be joining us too. They are one of only two clubs in the country completely owned by their fans."
The world's longest football scarf, made from scarves from every football club in Britain sewn together, is set to be unfurled on the march.
A brass band trumpeting out the theme from the Great Escape is also set to join the marchers with television crews from ITV and Sky Television covering the event.
"Although this particular event is about York City it covers all football clubs and all fans," said Brandon.
"What has happened to City could happen to any football club in the country at any time.
"It will hopefully be a sign of strength and unity to the outside world that the feelings of ordinary supporters cannot be run roughshod over. It is not acceptable."
Brandon added: "We want everyone to behave and in many ways it is not even a protest. It is a show of strength and a celebration."
Updated: 08:50 Friday, February 01, 2002
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