YORK City’s players would love to run out to a sea of smiling Richard Brodie faces at Wembley.

That’s the message from City’s 37-goal leading marksman, who believes the Press’ cut-out-and-keep mask would help relieve tension ahead of Sunday’s Blue Square Premier play-off final.

It would also surely have an unsettling effect on opponents Oxford United.

After all, containing one Brodie has proved troublesome for Blue Square Premier teams up and down the country this season.

How will Chris Wilder’s men feel if they are faced by thousands under the famous arch?

When asked for his thoughts on the mask, a beaming Brodie said: “It’s excellent if you can see people are behind you and I think it would help to relax the lads if the fans were wearing them as we came out.

“It’s a bit of a joke and the banter in our dressing room is fantastic. I think some of them are jealous of my good looks anyway.”

Brodie was not always a fans’ favourite at Bootham Crescent and was still the subject of isolated abuse at the start of this season.

But there are few City regulars who have not been converted by the England ‘C’ international’s goalscoring feats and passionate displays during 2009/10, and the former Newcastle Benfield forward points out that their support has been gratefully received.

He said: “Gone are the days when I used to get a bit of stick and, hopefully, what I have done on the pitch has turned things round because their support for me this season has been fantastic.

“I enjoy running to the fans and applauding them before games because they all stand up and that really gives you a buzz.

“Our supporters look like they will be outnumbered at Wembley but they were at Luton and the noise they made was incredible.

“They are a credit to the club and I hope that whatever happens on Sunday, they stick by us.”

• Pick up a copy of today's Press to get your cut-out Richard Brodie mask.


YORK Minstermen will be running York Pullman coaches to Sunday’s Blue Square Premier play-off final against Oxford United at Wembley.

The coach will be from the company’s executive range with toilet and a television/DVD player, as well as entertainment provided on the outward journey.

Coaches will depart from Leeman Road Memorial Gardens at 8am and there will be a pick-up point in Tadcaster 15 minutes later.

There will also be a lunch stop with an estimated time of arrival at Wembley of 2pm. The fare is £30, no concessions.

Check availability and payment options by emailing ian@yorkminstermen.org.uk or phoning 07794 091810.