A self-styled 'ideas man' has joined the York Wasps board of directors determined to bring money to the club and increase the crowds at Huntington Stadium.

In another boost for the rebuilding club, 57-year-old Rod Lowery - a keen supporter for 35 years - becomes the third member of the new-look board, alongside chief executive Ann Garvey and Derek Collinson.

Lowery, a financial advisor by trade and a marketing expert, is keen to help bring money into the club through marketing and sponsorship, but he told the Evening Press he hoped to bring other qualities to the club.

"I have various contacts, both business people and personalities, who can offer something that would benefit the club," he said.

"I believe I can help the club build up their moneys so that we can bring in better players to help put the team on a higher level.

"I have contacts at other clubs as well and if I can channel the benefits into the Wasps in whatever way then I will."

Lowery, a married father of two, said he was keen to organise events on match-days at Huntington Stadium which would bring in the crowds and raise the profile of the club.

"I've got a whole catalogue of ideas that we can utilise. I'm a full-time working man so I'm not going to be able to work 30 hours a week for the club, but hopefully together as a team we can do these things."

Updated: 11:45 Thursday, January 25, 2001