Overseas inquiries in York City sale

Mr Craig was unable to divulge much information about the interested parties, but confirmed two of the approaches had come from abroad.

"At this stage they are just wanting more information," he said, adding the inquiries had come via fax.

He was unable to say just how serious the approaches were, but added: "I would say they are not any higher in the list than the interest that has been indicated by the supporters."

But Mr Craig did say he had not as yet received any request for information from those parties that had expressed an interest in taking over the football club through the Evening Press.

Although he did not name names, that would suggest Flamingo Land co-owner Gordon Gibb and local businessman Adam Sinclair have yet to follow up the interest they expressed in the newspaper last week.

Mr Craig has issued a deadline of noon, January 17, 2002, for interested parties to make contact.

However, although the board is willing to see the Minstermen through to the end of the season, Mr Craig reiterated the board's intention to then step down - regardless of whether a new owner has been found or not. "We are absolutely positive about that. Nothing is going to change that situation. It is as it is," he said.

Although it is only the football club that is currently up for sale, Mr Craig confirmed there was nothing to preclude someone making an offer for both the club and its current owner, Bootham Crescent Holdings.

Speculation in the past has suggested a price tag of between £4 million and £5 million. However, the City chairman refused to put a figure on BCH, which also owns assets such as the ground and training ground.

He said: "You have to put a realistic value on the ground and look at what price land has gone for generally. But why should Bootham Crescent Holdings sell to somebody for peanuts, who could then sell it on for much more than peanuts?"