THE vice-presidents of York City Football Club have pledged their support to the Save City campaign.

Terry Doyle, chairman of the vice-presidents, together with fellow vice-president Neil Webster, will attend Monday's fans meeting at Tempest Anderson Hall to offer their services.

Doyle, a partner in a firm of chartered accountants, said: "I am quite happy to help in any way shape or form and I am sure the other vice-presidents would be willing to give help if they were asked.

"We have no problem in contributing in any way that is helpful."

The vice-presidents were established by former chairman Michael Sinclair when he took control of the club in 1979.

The initiative was perhaps the forerunner of today's hospitality boxes, although with a slight difference.

Vice-presidents are invited to take up the position, which enable members to make use of the bar at Bootham Crescent, catering and good seats to watch the game. In return, vice-presidents pay above the odds for a season ticket.

At the same time, many of the vice-presidents offer specialised skills, knowledge and business acumen.

In years gone by, the board have often turned to the vice-presidents for help or advice, who have also done much to raise much needed money for the club through various fundraising initiatives.

"We feel our influence has been marginalised in recent years," confessed Doyle, who said the VPs now numbered about 35, down on its peak.

"Clearly, we would like to see the whole ethos of the club changed and we share the general consensus of everyone in the need for change."

He added: "I am genuinely concerned about the future of the club and the vice presidents are fearful.

"We understand the difference between the football club and the holding company.

"We also understand a lot of money is wanted for the holding company.

"The prospect of anyone coming to take over a business losing £1.2million a year, without any security of tenure in the ground is unlikely."