AS a long term season ticket holder and minor (un-consulted) shareholder in York City, it comes as no surprise to see Douglas Craig antagonising every supporter at the club with his threat to close it down by the summer.

He has informed the audience at several fans forums that he too is a supporter and attends more matches than most although he alone has dramatically decreased the fan base by his confrontational relationship with the club's paying customers, which, in turn, reduces income into the club.

This is part of the reason the club is in the financial state it finds itself in today.

If Mr Craig really is the true supporter he would like us to believe, why is he prepared to take out of the club a potential profit over 20 times his original investment which, in turn, is threatening the future of professional football in York from next season onwards?

The stress on the employees within the club caused by the announcement must be immense.

It is bad enough for the average supporter to hear the news but a threat to your livelihood is unforgiving as the warning signs must have been there for some time and only now at the 12th hour the board has made a public announcement giving any potential rescuers to the club very little time to produce a rescue package.

If Berwick Kaler requires another King Rat for next year's Theatre Royal pantomime, I think I know the perfect candidate but I will let you draw your own conclusions.

Clive Howell,

Bridge Close,

Haxby, York.

Updated: 12:58 Saturday, January 12, 2002