FOOTBALL'S brotherhood of fans are being urged to rally to the cause of York City next month.

City supporters are appealing for fans of other clubs to put their rivalries to one side and take in City's Division Three clash with Lincoln City on February 2 at Bootham Crescent in a massive show of unity.

Dubbed a 'Fans United' day, similar events have been organised very successfully by fans of Brighton and Wimbledon when their clubs were in similar trouble to City.

Just as happened at Brighton and Wimbledon, City fans are hoping supporters will come from far and wide to help fill Bootham Crescent to capacity and help publicise the Minstermen's plight.

City fan Pete Brandon said: "As fans, you only go to watch your own team play home or away.

"But having spoken to Wimbledon and Brighton fans, a Fans United day is an excellent chance for supporters to nail their colours to the mast and show they care.

"It is a show of unity and I am hoping as many different fans from any number of clubs will come to York on February 2, wear their colours and stand side by side with City fans.

"I'd hope supporters of other clubs who live in the City will also come to the match, wear their team shirts and join us.

"It is very important fans stand together at times like these."

Brandon said the support received from other fans via the Internet and various City websites had been overwhelming.

"It has just been incredible," he said. "We have had messages of support from all over and from some of our biggest rivals, like Scarborough, Chesterfield and Hull, all asking how they can help. This gives them an opportunity."

Brandon said the date with Lincoln had been chosen for a number of reasons.

Lincoln are one of only two clubs in the Football League owned entirely by a Supporters' Trust.

It is planned the official launch of City's Supporters' Trust will have taken place the night before the clash with the Imps, on February 1.

It was also against Lincoln that former City favourite David Longhurst collapsed and died in September 1990.

Furthermore, the club have given permission for fans to do a bucket-collection at the ground on the day of the match, raising funds for the Save City campaign.

"Brighton do not have a game that day and there is talk of a couple of buses coming up from the south coast in a show of support," said Brandon.

"I don't know how successful it will be but if we have a full house with fans from all over the country and a carnival atmosphere it will give the launch of the Supporters' Trust a great start."

Updated: 11:41 Monday, January 21, 2002