York City skipper Chris Brass hailed the fans after last night's historic supporters' meeting.

The City midfielder and team-mate Nick Richardson were among the 300 strong crowd at the Tempest Anderson Hall, where it was agreed a Supporters' Trust should be established to try and take control of the club.

Brass, who was also joined at the meeting, by first team coach Adie Shaw and physio Jeff Miller, admitted the evening had been emotional.

He said: "I am club captain and I'm very fortunate to be in that position but I will come and go, directors will come and go.

"We are just a small piece of a big jigsaw.

"The fans have shown tonight they want a club for another 80 years, another 800 years and judging from what has happened tonight I think it will."

Brass confessed he was staggered by the turn-out and the united front shown by the supporters.

"It is nice to see everybody is pulling together. People have been locked out tonight as the venue only held 300 people.

"I had to come through the crowds myself to get in. I wasn't sure whether the doors had been opened so it is fantastic.

"Those locked out are ready for the cause and something like this brings people out of the woodwork.

"You wonder why it has to come to something like this but this really shows the true support of York City."

The City captain, who picked up a hamstring injury in the 0-0 FA Cup third round draw with Grimsby Town at the weekend, said he would be passing on the outcome of the meeting to his team mates at training today.

He said: "It was good that we have had such a great turn-out.

"I think we saw at Grimsby how passionate the fans are about the football club

"I have come to find out what is going on and the players are in the dark as much as anybody

"It is very heartening to know the fans hold the club in so much esteem.

"I really don't think they will allow it to go out of existence.

"It is humbling knowing you have got the support of the fans like that. It can only help.

"I will see the players and I will tell them that; the fans are right behind us. It is good to see."

Updated: 09:08 Tuesday, January 08, 2002