York City fans fighting to save their club from extinction have appealed for support, passion and common sense ahead of tomorrow's clash with Torquay United, writes Dave Stanford.

The game at Bootham Crescent is the first since the shock announcement that new owners must vacate the ground at the end of the season - unless they stump up £4.5million.

In a defiant show of solidarity, fans are planning a peaceful march through the city to the ground prior to kick-off. It is also intended collections will be made for a 'Save City' fighting fund.

However, amid fears fans' frustrations and anger may go beyond the peaceful, supporters behind the newly-formed Save City working party aimed at establishing a Supporters' Trust, have called for calm.

Sophie McGill, a member of the working party and the club's former public relations' executive, said: "Clearly, the bombshell document released this week has deeply angered York City fans.

"Members of the Save City Committee share this anger. The proposals issued by the directors are not in the best interests of York City Football Club.

"The work of the committee will explore ways in which the Bootham Crescent issue can be resolved to the benefit of the football club, its supporters and the people, community and businesses of York and surrounding areas.

"The work of the Save City Committee in general does not involve the organisation of public protest action.

"We understand why some people wish to undertake various forms of public protest, but we urge all fans to keep matters peaceful.

"In addition, it would be great for everyone to generate the passion and support for the team as demonstrated at Grimsby last week.

"We encourage all those people waving tenners at half time to place them in the 'Save City' collection buckets after the match.

"Collections will be made before and after the match on behalf of the Save City campaign and the creation of a Supporters' Trust."

Under-fire chairman Douglas Craig has vowed to be at the game but has inferred in the past he could shut the club down in a matter of weeks.

Announcing last month the club was being put up for sale, he warned: "If spectators behave in such a way that the finances of the club are made worse so be it - the club will then fold at the end of February."

In the sales prospectus made public this week, it was also made clear Bootham Crescent Holdings could withdraw their offer to clear the club's debts and give cash to help in the upgrade of Huntington Stadium at any time.

Tomorrow's match offers £1 entry to the David Longhurst Stand for youngsters under the age of 18 when accompanied by an adult.

Updated: 11:55 Friday, January 11, 2002