THE top brass of amateur football in York have thrown their weight behind the Save City campaign.

Representatives from York and District Football Association, led by president Arnold Myers, will be in attendance at tonight's launch of the Supporters' Trust at the Barbican (7.30pm).

Myers described the current uncertainty surrounding the club and the fact the directors of Bootham Crescent Holdings stand to make vast profits from the sale of the ground as "appalling".

"It is unbelievable," he said. "The club is the focal point for all football in the city and to be left without a club is inconceivable.

"The directors I have known in the past would never have allowed this to happen.

"It would be like me taking all the assets of York FA. But I do not expect any reward, it is a hobby."

Joining Myers, who is also a life-vice President of the North Riding County FA, at the Barbican tonight will be fellow York FA representatives Dave Morrill and Chris Dale.

The Steering Committee of the York City Supporters' Trust has been formed.

The initial group of 13 individuals - boasting a collective 350 years of supporting York City - has been nominated to represent the Trust in its battle to ensure the continuation of professional football in York and to secure representation for supporters in the future ownership and operation of York City Football Club.

The Steering Committee has evolved from the volunteers on the Save City Committee who have worked tirelessly over the past few weeks to save the club.

They will carry forward the work of the Trust through the key period until the first annual general meeting expected to be in May. At the AGM any member of the Trust can be nominated for the Committee and democratic elections will be held.

Speaking on behalf of the Trust, Sophie McGill said: "We are confident that we have assembled a group of individuals who will effectively represent York City supporters and through them the Trust will play a pivotal role in ensuring the future of professional football in York.

"The passion and commitment of people to save York City has been astounding. Not just those who have worked on the Save City Committee, but supporters and businesses throughout the area and beyond."

The Steering Committee members are: Steve Beck, partner in accountancy practice; Pete Brandon, director of a media development /PR company; Mike Brown, managing director of multimedia marketing strategies firm; Stan Collins, York City Supporters' Club executive and power station shift manager.

Terry Herbert, former book-keeper to York City; Ian Hey, principal manager of Yorkshire Bank's secured recoveries department; Kirsten Gillies, Norwich Union Life e-commerce department; Graham Ibbetson, managing director of a marketing and communications company; Simon Mallett, barrister and former Parliamentary candidate for the City of York.

Sophie McGill, former public relations officer of York City; Paul Ranwsley, sports business consultant with Deloitte and Touche; Michael Shannon, York solitictor; Richard Snowball, semi-retired former company director and Richard Willis, business excellent manager and strategic planner with Derbyshire Building Society.

Updated: 11:54 Friday, February 01, 2002