I AM sure a lot of other football fans were as shocked and saddened as I by the recent clouds which have gathered over York City FC.

The club's parlous state raises a number of issues.

First is the question of support. Although my first loyalty is to Ipswich Town, whom I watched regularly when I lived in East Anglia, I have, over the past few years, attended a good number of games at Bootham Crescent.

York City do not lose out when people follow a larger club as such. They do when so-called supporters of, for example Leeds or Manchester United (many of whom have never seen their team live) do not watch readily-available local teams.

A thousand or so such floating fans would make a big difference to the club's finances.

Second is the question of the ground. To move to Huntington Stadium would be a disaster.

The record of York Wasps is ample testimony to that. Poor accessibility, inadequate facilities and, worst, no atmosphere.

The third issue is the most sad. The meeting of City fans on Monday revealed that the soul of York City is very much alive. Sadly at least some of the current board of directors do not seem to be part of it.

York City is a club with a fine tradition. It is of vital importance that it survives, not just for the city but for the game in general

We all have a part to play.

C Corbett,

Bull Lane,

Lawrence Street,

York.

....I WRITE in response to the current crisis surrounding York City FC.

Admittedly, I am a lapsed (armchair) supporter, alienated many years ago by bad administration, not the team.

Here are some important reasons why the Bootham Crescent site must never be sold for redevelopment.

Firstly, the ground is the envy of many clubs in the lower divisions of the Football League.

Secondly, the playing surface has long been admired by most teams in the country.

Finally, and most importantly, the remains of loved ones have been laid to rest there, in good faith, and just 12 years ago a lad lost his life trying to help York City win a game of football at Bootham Crescent.

It is this final point which makes the ground unique by comparison to other clubs who have faced a similar threat.

However, now Mr Craig and his cronies intend to stand back and fan themselves with a wad of banknotes, as the pitch is dug up and the stand - paid for out of supporters' own pockets and bearing that young man's name - is bulldozed to the ground.

It would seem Douglas Craig is simply being Douglas Craig.

But Mr York City's (Barry Swallow) involvement in this debacle is scandalous.

To cut and run under these circumstances is quite appalling. Shame on you all.

E Whatley,

Fulford Road, York.

....York's property boom, coupled with the redevelopment of the Territorial Army centre, makes the Bootham Crescent football ground a very valuable piece of prime real estate.

Thus, any businessman could see that now, especially given York City's poor financial and playing situation, is a good time to realise one's assets.

For York City to continue as a professional football club they require a football mad or mad football chairman whereas the present incumbent is very much a businessman first and foremost.

In recent seasons, the fortunes of York and Scarborough football clubs have mirrored each other and unless a millionaire with more money than sense comes along, next season both will be part-time amateur clubs.

Richard Lamb,

Greystoke Road,

Rawcliffe, York.

Updated: 10:14 Tuesday, January 15, 2002