Independent York City supporters' group Fans Against Craig's Tyranny are considering a change of name after members attended the Supporter Involvement in Football Clubs conference.

Spokesman Greg Stone hinted at a possible name change for the group - Fans Achieving Co-operation Together has been mooted - after the 'inspiring' London conference, attended by representatives and fans from more than 50 clubs.

Speaking at the conference, Culture secretary Chris Smith gave his backing to a new scheme giving advice to fans who want to buy into their football clubs and have a say in how they should be run.

Supporters Direct, which is aimed at helping fans become involved in the running of clubs, has the financial backing of the Co-operative Bank.

The bank will help towards start-up costs for fans to create supporters' trusts which can acquire shares, with Football Trust experts on hand to offer advice.

Stone backed the new initiative and deemed the conference a winner.

He said: "It was exciting and inspiring to listen to success stories like Bournemouth and Northampton where fans co-operatives are directly involved in running their clubs.

"It was also useful to meet with supporters of other clubs in similar situations."

Stone admitted that such a venture could only be achieved with the backing of all City fans and added: "We need to unite all City supporters if we are to succeed, whether we seek to take majority control or a significant minority stake holding.

"FACT will be having another open meeting for fans in the near future."

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