FORMER York City FC and Bootham Crescent Holdings (BCH) director John Quickfall donated more than £20,000 to help save the football club from extinction, it has emerged.

The Evening Press understands Mr Quickfall made his gesture at the height of City's cash troubles earlier this year but asked to remain anonymous at that time.

During the months of January, February and March, the club teetered on the brink from week to week - and, on occasion, from day to day.

It is understood Mr Quickfall made his sizeable donation before he announced his resignation from the board of directors of BCH at the beginning of March.

Mr Quickfall cited "personal reasons" for his exit as a BCH director and also said that any profit from his BCH share-holding would be directed towards securing a new home for the football club.

As a result of his donation, the former City director has now been made a Friend of York City.

At the height of the Save City campaign earlier this year, the Supporters' Trust said fans who donated more than £1,000 would be honoured with the title.

Mr Quickfall declined to comment today.

Updated: 10:51 Wednesday, September 17, 2003