York City have begun a "Push for Promotion" appeal after lifelong fan Michael Oglesby donated £5,000 towards a transfer kitty for manager Billy McEwan.

Oglesby's company Ardent Finance have offered the money to the KitKat Crescent club for use during the January transfer window and the passionate City supporter hopes other local businesses will follow his example.

The window closes next Tuesday and City managing director Jason McGill has confirmed that any other donations received before then will be handed over to McEwan in his quest to secure a play-off place.

McGill said: "We are delighted Michael has kicked off our 'Push for Promotion' appeal with this very important donation. We hope other businesses or individuals will also come forward to contribute to this ring-fenced fund for additional players to assist our aspirations for promotion this season.

"It is imperative we stay in with a chance of promotion and the team has something to play for until the end of the season. Michael is a life-long fan and, like all City supporters, wants to see his team be successful.

"As a supporter-owned club, we rely on donations and assistance from our fans and this is just another example of the help people in the community can offer."

Former Easingwold School pupil Oglesby, 40, is confident that McEwan will make good use of his money. He said: "York City is close to my heart.

"My father supported the club and my grandparents' bedroom window overlooked the ground.

"A lot of work has been done this season to get a young team that we can enjoy watching play exciting football but I was disappointed that David McGurk (now back on loan at City) had to return to Darlington when he might have stayed if we had the money for a transfer fee, so I want to give Billy a fighting fund.

"I think the passion and drive the people have got at the club means we are moving in the right direction and Billy has been like a breath of fresh air. He's so focussed and deserves the support of the people in York.

"He has taken players like Clayton Donaldson, who wasn't wanted at Scarborough, and that has proven his ability in the transfer market.

"I think our best two signings ever were Keith Walwyn and John McPhail and, by doing this, maybe Billy can get us another hero. I'm also making this gesture hoping that other people will think it's a good idea and do the same."

Updated: 10:52 Thursday, January 26, 2006