COLIN Walker is looking forward to holding his first fans' forum since taking over as York City manager.

The former Barnsley coach is very keen to establish a strong rapport with the Minstermen faithful, which is illustrated by his commitment to honouring Wednesday's meeting despite a busy schedule next week due to a fixture re-shuffle.

Walker will travel to Grays Athletic for City's FA Trophy replay on Tuesday and will stay overnight with the team after the match before travelling back to North Yorkshire.

The Minstermen's reserves are then in action at 7pm for a KitKat Crescent clash against Sheffield United, which Walker will watch before answering supporters' questions in the Social Club afterwards.

Walker and his assistant Eric Winstanley already share a post-match drink with supporters following home games and the former New Zealand international regards such interaction as a crucial element of his job.

About Wednesday's 9pm meeting, the City chief, still undefeated in ten matches ahead of today's trip to Altrincham, said: "I've done them before although, obviously, I have got a different head on now.

"Whether people still ask me the same questions or not - or try to dig a bit deeper - I don't know. I'm looking forward to it.

"I am very approachable, I like a bit of banter and getting close to the fans. I think that's helped in the ten games I've been in charge and helps to bring the whole club closer together."

Anybody attending Wednesday's forum will also get the first opportunity to buy part one of this season's York City highlights DVD.

The first instalment covers first-team and reserve games played in August, September and October and costs £10 for 95 minutes of action.

All profits from the sale go to the club and the DVD will go on sale in the club shop at the home match with Blue Square Premier leaders Aldershot on Saturday, January 26.

York Minstermen, who are organising Wednesday's meeting, will be launching their spring raffle next month and are looking for prize donations and people to deliver raffle tickets to City fans.

Anybody willing to help should contact frank@yorkminstermen.org.uk by e-mail.

Tickets are also now on sale for the return of papier maché-headed comedian Frank Sidebottom to the social club on Friday, April 11.

They are available from the club shop at a cost of £10 or £8 for York Minstermen members.

Other events planned by the supporters' group include the Bootham Crescent Beer Festival on Sunday, March 16 and a Pub Games Evening on Thursday, April 17.

Kelly's festive high

YORK City midfielder Nicky Wroe is a clear leader of our January Player of the Month contest after taking the Press man-of-the-match honours in the 1-1 home draw with Grays.

Wroe received three points towards the standings as our top man and a further two after receiving the most email votes from our readers.

The efforts of defender Danny Parslow (two) and Craig Farrell (one) were also recognised as our second and third-highest rated players.

Martyn Woolford still heads the Press Player of the Year ratings by four points from nearest rival David McGurk.

To be in with a chance of presenting this month's Player of the Month award, vote for your man-of-the-match for any of City's upcoming games by visiting our web-site www.yorkpress.co.uk Press Player of the Year standings: Woolford 24 points, McGurk 20, Sodje 18, Panther 17, Elliott 16, Robinson 14, Kelly 12, Farrell 10, Brayson 9, Craddock 8, McBreen 7, Parslow 7, Evans 6, Wroe 6, Brodie 4, Hegarty 4, Purkiss 3, Jones 1.

Press Player of the Month for January standings: Wroe 9, Parslow 4, Brodie 3, Panther 3, Purkiss 2, Elliott 1, Farrell 1, McGurk 1.

Goals: Farrell 13, Sodje 13, Woolford 6, Brayson 5, Brodie 4, Wroe 3, Elliott 2, Kelly 2, McBreen 2, Lloyd 1, McGurk 1, own goal 1, Panther 1.

Assists: Woolford 11, Sodje 8, Brayson 6, Wroe 5, Brodie 4, Elliott 4, Farrell 4, Panther 4, McBreen 3, Robinson 2, Beardsley 1, Greenwood 1, Purkiss 1.

Bad boys: Elliott 1 red, 5 yellow; McGurk 6 yellow; Craddock 4 yellow, Panther 4 yellow; Brodie 1 red, 2 yellow, Robinson 1 red, 2 yellow; Brayson 2 yellow, Kelly 2 yellow, Parslow 2 yellow; Beardsley 1 yellow, Greenwood 1 yellow, Woolford 1 yellow, Wroe 1 yellow.