CHESTERFIELD'S chairman Ian Yeowart has urged York City fans to go for the Supporters' Trust.

Yeowart, who ironically lives at Earswick near York, has achieved every supporter's dream by rising from the terraces to become the chairman of the club he loves and he is now willing to offer his support to the City cause.

Chesterfield's plight reached its peak during last season, with the club facing investigations into alleged illegal payments - something which was never proven.

But with the backing of Supporters Direct, the Spireites fans managed to raise the money to buy the club - debts included - at the end of April this year.

After seven months' hard work, the Second Division club, who drew 2-2 at Brighton last night, are now set to reap the rewards.

Yeowart, who is also the chief executive of Grand Central Railway Company, told the Evening Press: "How many supporters have the chance to become chairman of the club they support?

"When we started it was at the back end of the problems with alleged illegal payments - something which, I must hasten to add, was never proven.

"We were offered to buy the club for £6,240, the money we raised on our Trust launch night, by the then chairman Andy Cooke.

"We expected about 200 or 300 for the launch, but 1,100 turned out - it was a roaring success.

"The following day we were approached to take over."

Chesterfield now boast the biggest Trust in the country, with a whopping 3,200 members. And Yeowart added: "There is no reason why the fans can't do the same at York City.

"I've no problem in speaking to anyone at the club about how we have set things up here.

"What I will say though is, if they are going public about it, they should do it properly. It is important to get this right as it sets the right mood.

"It is not easy, it takes time and involves a lot of hard work but it is worth it.

"It bridges the divisions among all the supporters."

Each member at Chesterfield has just one vote, no matter how much money they have put forward, with nine being elected to the board.

Every three years, the board stands for re-election, while the chairman is elected from within the board every year. Membership to the Trust costs £10 a year or £100 for life.

Updated: 10:52 Saturday, December 22, 2001