THEME park boss Gordon Gibb today claimed his £500,000 offer to buy York City Football Club with a further £1million being made available for new players remains on the table.

However, the 24-year-old co-owner of Flamingo Land Theme Park and Zoo, near Malton, conceded the chances of proceeding with the deal were slim.

As reported in yesterday's Evening Press, Mr Gibb claimed he had approached the club some weeks ago with his offer to buy 200,000 shares despite York City chairman Douglas Craig insisting no formal offer had been made.

Now the alleged negotiations had become public Mr Gibb accepted resurrecting any deal for the football club would be "very difficult".

"But the offer is still on the table and if Mr Craig would like my offer in writing I am more than willing to contact my solicitor and have him do that," he said.

Despite Mr Gibb's offer falling well-short of the current estimated value of York City - around £5million - he insisted it was "substantial and realistic" one.

He said the proposed deal was in two halves to provide a commitment to both the playing side and business side of the club with First Division status the goal.

Mr Craig has always insisted he would be willing to sell his shares but only at a "proper valuation" with the cash up front.

Pickering Town have announced that Flamingo Land will be their main sponsors next season.