TEAM-MATES from York City's greatest League side have been joined by present and past stars of Premiership champions Manchester United in aiding the fight to save the Minstermen.

No less than eight of the City ranks who reached the highest pinnacle of the club's Football League history by promotion to the old Second Division in 1973-74 have banded together in their opposition to the potential extinction of York City.

Several of them gathered this week at a city centre pub. After the meeting they composed a letter to roundly voice their opposition to the prospect of the club, which they all represented with such distinction, folding at the end of this season if a suitable buyer cannot be found.

Currently Bootham Crescent Holdings - 'landlords' of the football club - are locked in talks with two potential buyers. City went on sale for £4.5million last week and have served provisional notice to quit the Football League on April 1.

The threat to City and to Bootham Crescent was greeted with total dismay by the posse of one-time Minstermen from 27 years ago, whose ranks also included Barry Swallow, one of the club's directors among the four main share-holders of BCH.

The players, who number strikers Chris Jones and Jimmy Seal, record-breaking goalkeeper Graeme Crawford, and stopper supreme Chris Topping, declared their 'sadness' at the prospect of City ceasing to be part of the Football League.

To a man, supplemented by other team-mates, they endorsed the 'Save City Campaign' and backed the fans' endeavours to keep the club alive.

Their letter, which is published in full on the right of this page, said: "We would prefer City to remain and play at Bootham Crescent, but most importantly we feel that the future of York City as a football club is of paramount importance."

The 'Save City' campaign has also attracted backing from the heart of current Premiership title-holders Manchester United.

England international and current United defender Gary Neville said: "It's important all smaller clubs remain in existence.

"I know that from my own experiences of growing up in Bury and the problems they've had. I know how passionate the supporters are of smaller clubs and how important they are for young players, they can be a breeding ground for the premier league."

Former goalkeeping great Alex Stepney, a European Cup winner in 1968, has more reason than most for wanting City to survive - he started his illustrious career at Bootham Crescent.

"It's a great club with fantastic support. My first game was back there in 1963 for Millwall and there was a fantastic crowd at a great little ground near the centre of York," said Stepney.

He added: "I came up against a superb centre forward called Norman Wilkinson. I had some wonderful encounters at Bootham Crescent and it would be a massive shame if a club like York didn't exist.

"York will never be a Premiership club but they are at the roots of football. Kids get a chance at a club like York and that is important for football as a whole.

"I know there is a strong loyal following and just hope the club can be saved.

"Look what they did to Manchester United back in 1995. Every small club has it's day and I just hope York continue.

"I've been back there since in a coaching capacity and it's always been such a friendly club."

Another Sixties legend Paddy Crerand, also spoke out in support of the Minstermen.

"It would be disappointing to see any club go out of business, especially an historic club like York.

"They had a great performance against United in the Coca Cola Cup back in 1995.

"It's a friendly club and it would be a massive shame for the area and football."

Updated: 10:49 Saturday, January 19, 2002