York City fans will have a chance to grill Bootham Crescent's decision makers at a new-look fans' forum tonight.

For the first time the question and answer session, the fourth staged in recent years, will be held at Joseph Rowntree School, starting at 7.30pm.

And in another change from previous years, the forum will also be marked by a series of presentations from the club's key personnel before questions are taken from the floor.

Rob Havercroft, press officer of the City Supporters' Club who requested tonight's forum, is hoping for a big turn out from fans.

"We are grateful to the football club for agreeing to our request which is now becoming an annual event," he said.

"As a supporters' club we are proud to give all fans, not just members of the supporters' club or shareholders, the chance to meet with the decision makers at the club to discuss and raise their concerns."

Havercroft admits the new out of town venue and competition from television could have an effect on the attendance.

But given City's current plight he believes there will be much up for discussion.

"We are not out of the woods yet and so the fans are still in a position of some concern," he said.

City's public relations officer Sophie McGill will kick-start the proceedings by talking about the club's off-field work with charities and the local community.

City director John Quickfall will then talk about the club's financial position.

The changes to the transfer system and youth development will be the subject of chairman Douglas Craig's speech before Terry Dolan discusses playing matters.

Club secretary Keith Usher will conclude the presentations by giving an update on the club's stance on the Kick Racism out of Football campaign.

Questions that have arrived via e-mail or by post will then be answered as will queries from the floor.

Supporters will also get the chance to ask questions at the end of each presentation, which are expected to last no longer than 15 minutes.

Updated: 09:26 Thursday, April 05, 2001