ONE of the most crucial fixtures in the history of York City takes place tonight, not on the Bootham Crescent pitch, but in the more serene arena of Tempest Anderson Hall. Tonight's meeting is a chance for fans to discuss the parlous state of the club, and to consider what role they can play in saving it.

Die-hard fans have spent a lot of money following City over the years, but their emotional investment is even greater. Feelings are naturally running high after the shock announcement that York City could be history before spring is out. Supporters have a chance to air those feelings tonight.

But it is crucial that the meeting is not consumed by recriminations about the past, and instead focuses on salvaging City's future.

Today, the situation looks bleak. Yet this is a genuine chance to fashion a better club where the fans are no longer restricted to impotently venting their wrath on the terraces, but have a genuine voice in how it is run.

A Supporters' Trust take-over of York City would be a dream realised: a club run by and for the fans.

The clock, however, is ticking. A trust needs to be launched and its interest in taking over the club registered in just ten days.

That is a tall order. But if enough enthusiastic and committed people can start the ball rolling tonight, it is not impossible.

This is not the best time for fans to vent their spleen against the club's directors, who are not due to attend. It is also worth bearing in mind that a future Supporters' Trust might have to deal with these same directors in their potential role as the club's landlords.

This is a time to be positive. York City still generates remarkable passion, as testified by the 1,200 fans who travelled to watch them play at Grimsby at the weekend. Tonight should be all about positively channelling this passion into the campaign to save the club.

Updated: 10:21 Monday, January 07, 2002