SUNDERLAND supremo Bob Murray has pledged York City's special bond with the north-east giants will continue next season despite the Black Cats' Premiership relegation.

A unique agreement between the clubs has seen the Minstermen acquire a string of Sunderland starlets on loan over recent seasons.

Significantly for a cash-strapped club like City, Sunderland continue to pay their players' wages during their Bootham Crescent stint.

It was feared the invaluable deal could be scuppered by Sunderland's plunge into Division One because of the subsequent drop in income and player cull that is expected at the Stadium of Light.

However, while admitting tough times lay ahead, Murray is determined the agreement between the Black Cats and City will be maintained.

Speaking to the Evening Press, he said: "We have obviously got immense pressures. We have got to deal with losing half our income for next season which will be a massive challenge.

"But, at the same time, it should not hurt people we consider to be our friends.

"When you think we take more in one match at the gate than York take all season from every source there is an on-going commitment there.

"There is nothing in writing between the two clubs. It is just a verbal, good-will agreement.

"But I think big city clubs have to help specials clubs like York City and we will continue next season, despite all the hurdles we have to clear, to make players available for York free of charge."

Michael Reddy, Mark Maley, Michael Proctor, Keith Graydon and Michael Ingham have all donned City colours in the last two seasons.

While helping City, Murray admitted Sunderland and the loan players also benefited from the experience.

"Michael Proctor has played and scored in the Premiership this season while Michael Ingham will return and become a bigger part of the club next season," he said.

"Michael Reddy was also playing and scoring in the First Division with Sheffield Wednesday and it gives our players the chance to experience competitive games."

Describing City as a "very special club", Murray, who lives near Easingwold, said he took a keen interest in City's results and was bitterly disappointed the Minstermen missed out on the play-offs.

However, he said he was heartened by the special relationship that has also now been forged between the supporters of both clubs.

Last month, hundreds of City fans made the trip to the Stadium of Light to cheer on the Black Cats in their Premiership clash with Chelsea.

The trip was organised after Sunderland fans visited Bootham Crescent to support the Minstermen in their 3-1 win over Cambridge United.

A series of bucket collections were also staged at the Stadium of Light in aid of the Save City campaign.

"That is what is special about Sunderland; no one can question the quality of our supporters and we will do anything to help," said Murray.

"Bonding between supporters is what football is all about and I hope it continues to grow.

"I want to make clear to the York fans they have nothing to fear from Sunderland and Sunderland can only bring benefit to York with this agreement."

Underlining his commitment to City, Murray said he hoped Sunderland would be asked to play a pre-season friendly at Bootham Crescent.

He also stated Sunderland would not want any share of the gate receipts from such a game.

Updated: 10:41 Saturday, May 03, 2003