THE many letters published by the Evening Press relating to York City show the passion a local football team can arouse.

But that passion is not felt by enough people for the attendance figures to make the club financially viable.

Therefore, raising the money required to buy out the chairman is only a start because the club would need a subsidy from some quarter for it to continue operating with the present crowd levels.

As corner shops found whenever a large superstore opened for business in their area, trade would fall off and eventually result in closure.

Football fans can see Premiership football at Elland Road in Leeds and the York City fans remaining are too few to support the club continuing in business.

York City is just one of many institutions that, though once much supported are no longer so.

However sad it may be for some people, its time has passed and should be closed.

Richard Lamb,

Greystoke Road,

Rawcliffe, York.

...THE consortium bid ('Lock, stock and barrel' bid for City", January 23) suggests a compromise, involving the directors being reimbursed for their investment, plus some interest for their work for the club.

More importantly, the bid means the people of York keep the football ground rather than watching it being bulldozed for housing. The club needs its home so that the inspiring work of the Supporters Trust can be continued.

This is an excellent chance for the board members to redeem themselves in the eyes of the club's supporters, and the local community, by accepting the consortium bid.

There is no reason for them to make a vast personal profit from the sale of a community resource.

The football club itself should benefit from the future sale of the ground, if this is thought necessary.

The young people who are future supporters of football in York would find it hard to understand how a few men can threaten to leave the city's football team without a home.

Public figures are supposed to set an example to the young by behaving with integrity.

For Mr Craig and fellow shareholders this is a perfect time to set a good example.

Lisa Pickering,

St Olaves Road,

York.

Updated: 09:09 Saturday, January 26, 2002