THE support base for York City seems to be widening by the week.

The Evening Press has been contacted by new Minstermen followers from opposite ends of the globe determined to show their support for York City.

The first came from Japanese fan Kenichi Yamaguchi.

The 25-year-old writes: "In Japan, professional football league is organised seven years ago (J League). But it has not been football culture yet. I want to see real football. And I am interested in England too. Japan has long history like England. I think that it has many things in common as same island nation. I want to touch English history. I hope to go to England. And I want to experience football, culture, society, history and daily life in England.

"I am looking for a host family (one week). I am always willing to help. Please introduce me to somebody. Please grant me my wish."

Kenichi cites his favourite footballers as Kevin Kilbane, David Batty and, somewhat bizarrely, Mark Kinsella, while his hobbies, in addition to football, are cycling, music, walking and reading.

We have also received a handful of e-mails from Argentinian supporter Hernn Cunzo.

Hernan visited York in June and "fell in love with the city" and its football club too.

He is anxious to get in touch with City supporters to get the latest lowdown on events at Bootham Crescent and he would also like to hear from anyone who may be able to send him a City match on video.

Hernan's e-mail address is hcunzo@hotmail.com

Anyone who would like to write to Kenichi should contact the Evening Press sportsdesk on 01904 567138.

CITY fans can turn the tables on Yorkie and show their support for the Minstermen's rapscallion cheerleader ahead of this month's British Mascot Grand National.

Yorkie, a regular runner in the event in recent years, will again be looking to establish himself as the mane man when sport's mascots go for gold at the Discover Racing Day at Huntingdon race course on September 30.

Ahead of the wacky race, organisers are wanting to find the best-supported club mascot.

Fans can pledge their allegiance to Yorkie by voting on-line at www.discover-racing.com/mascots/

The most popular mascot will win £500 to donate to a charity of their choice as well as a trophy to be presented by Olympic champion Sally Gunnell.

Fans can also be quids-in by backing City's furry-friend. One lucky voter will win a VIP trip for four to next year's Grand National at Aintree.

YORKIE will be looking for a cleaner pair of heels than that witnessed by City director John Quickfall last weekend.

Quickfall is co-owner of Mick Easterby-trained racehorse Middlethorpe, which raced in the 2.30pm at Haydock Park last Saturday.

But despite being tipped by Evening Press tipster Tom O'Ryan as a good each way bet, the highly fancied Middlethorpe was unplaced.

It merely kick-started what was to prove a miserable afternoon for City who, of course, went down 4-0 at Hull.

A CLEAN pair of heels was certainly shown by one young Tigers' supporter during last week's derby duel.

After his father parked-up in a nearby school prior to kick-off, the dozy juvenile clambered out of the car only to realise he'd forgotten his shoes!

Rather than go home and turning down the offer of a piggy-back the youngster insisted on walking to the ground and watched the game in his stocking feet.

Given the result, it proved a wise decision.

CITY'S internet supporters team, the Yorkie Bars, also lost by a four goal margin to their Hull counterparts prior to last Saturday's main event at Boothferry Park.

The Bars went down 6-2, a scoreline which flattered their hosts and didn't do justice to a much improved display from the City lads.

Indeed, the Bars showed great resilience to fight-back from a 2-0 deficit with goals from Michael Stockdale and Greg Stone fostering hopes of a stirring victory.

However, a couple of quick goals on the hour mark saw Hull regain the initiative and two goals in the dying embers rubbed salt in the Bars' wounds.

The Bars were in action earlier today, when they played host to Luton's Internet footballing team.

PLACES are still available on the City Travel Club bus heading for Carlisle on Tuesday.

The coach will depart Bootham Crescent at 4.15pm, with seats costing £11 and £13 for non-members.

Bookings are also being taken for next Saturday's trip to Bristol Rovers. The bus will depart at 9.15am with tickets costing £17 and £19.

For further details, telephone the club shop on 01904 624447 extension 4.

CITY fans wishing to see their favourites play at Oxford United's new The Kassam Stadium on Saturday, November 3, can do so at a cheaper cost if they buy their tickets in advance.

The Minstermen have been allocated 300 seats for which tickets can be bought from the City ticket office at £14 adults and £8.50 concessions. If fans pay on the day at Oxford's arena then the cost of those tickets will be £17 and £11.

ON-LOAN Michael Proctor was able to extend his lead at the top of the Evening Press player of the year award table despite a blank return in front of goal this week.

Proctor picked up a point for his forward play at Hull last week, to move him four points clear at the top.

The man of the match award and three points went to young central defender John Fielding, whose defensive resolve shows no sign of abating. The remaining two points went to skipper Chris Brass, who still provided a competitive edge despite City being brushed aside by the Tigers.

This season's player of the year format sees City's man of the match in each game receive three points, the second best two and the third best one.

The leading players are: Michael Proctor 11, Darren Edmondson 7, Lee Bullock 7, Lee Nogan 7, Chris Brass 6, John Fielding 6, Alan Fettis 2, Mike Basham 1, Richard Cooper 1.