NO one should underestimate the seriousness of the situation at Huntington Stadium. While vice-chairman of York Wasps Russell Greenfield seems quite content to wave goodbye to coach Lee Crooks, the fans will not be so phlegmatic.

The long-suffering Wasps faithful believed in Lee Crooks. They were won over by his unflagging commitment to a club undergoing a traumatic time on and off the pitch.

That commitment is best illustrated by Mr Crooks' response to one of many playing crises. In February three players failed to turn up for the fixture against Widnes. The 37-year-old coach stepped out of retirement, pulled on his boots and put in his first professional performance for four years.

That impromptu display typified Mr Crooks' season. Let down by others, he was determined not to let down the fans.

It has been tough going. After assembling a competitive squad, Mr Crooks saw it ripped apart when players rejected new contracts drawn up to save the club from bankruptcy.

But he battled on. He has scratched squads together using dozens of inexperienced players and as a result watched the Wasps go down to record defeats.

How has the club repaid this remarkable loyalty? By refusing Mr Crooks a new contract, by expecting him to reapply for his own job and then by suggesting someone else might get it. He described his treatment as despicable. Many fans will agree.

The board's attitude beggars belief. They should be fighting tooth and nail to hang on to a coach regarded as one of the most talented around, the man selected to take charge of Yorkshire.

Instead their ingratitude has finally done what a lack of resources and dispiriting results failed to do, and forced Mr Crooks to quit.

Mr Greenfield says "the club has to come first". It always did for Mr Crooks. His departure might be the final straw for disillusioned fans who saw him as the best hope to lead the Wasps from the current shambles into a brighter future.

Updated: 12:31 Friday, June 22, 2001