We're in this together

'We're in this together' was the uplifting message to supporters from City's Gary Hobson and Nick Richardson, who appealed for fans to turn out in force at Bootham Crescent tomorrow.

The players, whose careers are now on the line along with the football club and Bootham Crescent, have been left bewildered by this week's turn of events.

But regardless of all the off-field uncertainty the clash with Torquay remains a vital relegation battle.

Richardson confirmed it had been difficult to focus minds on the game but called on the fans to repeat the "magnificent" support the team received at Grimsby last week.

"I cannot say there is a great spirit in the camp at the moment," revealed Richardson.

"Obviously, there is a lot of worry and there are a lot of questions to be asked and answered.

"But I am sure come 3pm on Saturday everyone will be professional enough to do their job.

"It is what is termed as a 'six-pointer' but if we can continue the sort of form we have been showing in our last couple of games I think we are capable of winning it."

And Richardson, who was at Monday's fans' meeting in the Tempest Anderson Hall, said the role of the supporters in lifting the team and, ultimately, safeguarding the club's future should not be underestimated.

"They made all the difference last week, it was like a home match, and they have got as big a part to play tomorrow as we have," he said.

"We need everyone pulling in the right direction and then hopefully it will make the club as an attractive proposition as possible if anyone is looking.

"The more people in the ground the better and the more chance someone thinking they can make a go of this."

Hobson, who went through similar troubles when he was captain at Brighton when Albion were forced to play their games at Gillingham, urged fans not to lose hope.

"It wasn't easy at Brighton, it was an 85-mile trip to Gillingham," he explained.

"But the club came through it and look at the position it is in now. It is flying."

Hobson said: "It's been hard to concentrate on the football.

"We were pretty shocked when we were first told the club was up for sale a couple of weeks ago.

"Now things have moved on a lot further and the whole future of the club is in the balance

"The lads are worried for their future but we have got to be united with supporters; we have got to do our best on the pitch and so have the fans on the terraces to try and turn things around.

"A struggling club will find it harder to get a potential buyer but if they can come out in numbers that sends out a positive message and it is better for us as well.

"The fans were the best I have seen them at Grimsby. They were brilliant

"Saturday's game could have a big say in our immediate future and it could put a bit of distance between ourselves and Torquay, who have a played a few more games than us."

Richardson, the Professional Supporters' Association representative at City, also gave a ringing endorsement to the idea of a Supporters' Trust.

"Having listened to the speakers on Monday, I agree entirely with those who said supporters should have a big say in what is their football club.

"If the people in charge of a football club are custodians it is important the fans have got at least representation."

Updated: 08:49 Friday, January 11, 2002