AMID such difficult and confusing times for supporters and everyone concerned with York City FC, we, the players and backroom staff, must keep a clear mind.

In no way am I trying to diminish the seriousness of the current situation but for us it has to be 'business as usual'.

What is happening is a big concern to everyone but we just have to get on with our work.

No matter who takes over the club or however the situation is resolved, it is out of our hands. There is so much uncertainty, everyone can surmise as to what the future holds but who really knows?

All we can do is concentrate on the games that are coming up and making sure we improve as a team.

I still believe as a team we are going to get better and will turn things around.

The current situation is not making the job any easier, particularly when we have got so many important games coming up.

A lot of the younger players at the club might not have encountered this sort of situation before. Some of the more experienced players might have, and I certainly have.

The club might not be in existence by the end of the season and ultimately it is our livelihoods and careers that are at stake. But the upcoming games must be the focus of our attention.

Certainly, something is going to happen in the next few weeks but the players cannot do anything to change that.

All we can do, as we have tried to do all season, is stick together and try to change things around on the field.

Given all the uncertainty about the future of the club and lower league teams generally, the debate about the introduction of 'feeder clubs' which reared up again last week perhaps carries even more resonance now.

Chelsea managing director Colin Hutchinson called for the Football League to introduce nursery clubs to prevent smaller teams from possible extinction.

The practice is widespread on the Continent, with leading clubs effectively adopting a smaller team and thereby guaranteeing their survival.

The Football rejected the idea but, personally, it is something I have always thought to be a possible solution to the problems facing so many lower league clubs.

I have been in favour of such a proposal since I was manager at Hull City. Even then, I could see how things were going to pad out but when I said it I was accused of lacking ambition because the club would lose its identity.

But for those supporters who are faced with their club folding, or surviving, I am sure all that matters is the club surviving in some form or another.

I am surprised that the Football League has just dismissed it, unless they are happy for the League to diminish in numbers because that will happen.

Football clubs by their very nature see constant changes in personnel on a regular basis - be that players or managers.

But one thing remains constant and at York City that is the 2,000 to 2,500 hardcore supporters and they are the ones I feel sorry for.

Everyone is wondering what will happen, and nobody knows. It is difficult to come to terms with.

What is clear is we had great support from the fans last Saturday and there was a great turn-out from the supporters at Monday's public meeting. The feeling then was one of 'sticking together'.

The players were all taken aback by the level of support we received at Grimsby. It was fantastic and they responded to it.

We do not want that to be lost and I would like for it to be continued at Saturday's game against Torquay.

Updated: 09:10 Thursday, January 17, 2002