THE Press’ former York City writer Dave Stanford has been appointed as the new supporter liaison officer and customer services administrator at Bootham Crescent.

Stanford, 42, will provide administrative support to the club on a day-to-day basis and will be the main point of contact for supporter and customer enquiries as the club seeks to improve the matchday experience for fans.

Having been chief sports writer at The Press from 1999 to 2003, Stanford reported on the Minstermen during one of the most turbulent periods in their history and played a leading role in our Save City campaign, when the club faced the real threat of eviction from Bootham Crescent and bankruptcy.

A lifelong football fan, a qualified FA coach and a regular player in York’s local football leagues, he has been working as a sub-editor at The Press for the last ten years.

On his new role, Stanford said: “I am really looking forward to renewing old acquaintances and forging new friendships at Bootham Crescent and ensuring there is effective communication between the club and its supporters. I’m passionate about football, the opportunities it can provide and the emotions it can stir, and I feel privileged to be given this opportunity at a special club.

"I want to be as accessible as possible, and I’m really looking forward to getting out on the terraces, meeting fans and hearing their ideas and suggestions as to how the club can further improve the matchday experience. With a new ground on the horizon and the club challenging for promotion, these are really exciting times for York City, a community-focused club run by people who have its best interests at heart."

Fans can contact Stanford by email at dave.stanford@yorkcityfootballclub.co.uk or by phone on 01904 559504.

New general manager John McGhee, meanwhile, will start work next week at City with a responsibility for overseeing the operations of the business and implementing the board’s strategy going forward.