Football's top brass were today expected to move a step closer to sanctioning feeder clubs.

The implementation of a controversial feudal arrangement, allowing member clubs to take stakes in smaller small ones, was reportedly being discussed at a meeting of Premier League chairmen.

Taking part in the Evening Press question and answer session on the thisisyork earlier this week, York City manager Terry Dolan said such a system was worth considering if it could prevent many lower division clubs going bankrupt.

Leeds United chairman Peter Ridsdale was believed to be leading today's bid to establish the feeder concept.

Last season it emerged Leeds were trying to buy a stake in second Division Oldham Athletic and it is understood Ridsdale is trying to re-activate those plans.

York City would be an ideal target for a Premier League club seeking a feeder club - it is debt free, has a proven youth development programme and has an ex-cellent training complex

But supporters of the mentoring system point out that it would prevent countless less stable clubs going to the wall as they contemplate a possible meltdown of the transfer system and a loss of their most vital source of income.

"First of all, I don't think the transfer system will be outlawed as some people are expecting," Dolan said on thisisyork.

"But if it is, it will certainly have a detri-mental effect on the lower league clubs.

"Perhaps the introduction of a feeder club system is a better alternative than clubs going to the wall."

Dolan admitted he first mooted the idea of a feeder club system being introduced when he was in charge of cash-strapped Hull City.

However, he recalled being lambasted for lacking ambition when suggesting the idea should be considered.

City chairman Douglas Craig, speaking on the matter last month, called on foot-ball to study such proposals seriously.

He said: "It is a very serious matter that should be discussed in a sensible manner so it doesn't come about by default.

"It is better to be making some plans to control a situation than ignoring the possibility."

However, even if the Premier League gives the plan its approval today the chairmen will still have to convince the Football Association who will ultimately have the final say-so.

The FA has banned the practice and a spokesman said today he saw no reason for a sudden change of heart.

"It is always an issue being discussed and it is not something we could rule out for ever more," he said. "But feeder clubs are not allowed, our position has not changed and we have no intention of changing it at the moment."

A spokesman for the Football League also voiced strong opposition.

He said: "Every team wants to win the Premier League and it doesn't matter whether you are York City or Manchester United that dream should remain.

"We do not believe supporters want to see the cast-offs from larger clubs playing for their own clubs. If they did they would go and watch reserve team football.

"They don't. They want a team that represents their local community and is not a second Xl from a town 25 miles down the road."

sport@ycp.co.uk