NEW developments at Bootham Crescent have meant a quick re-write of this column.

What started as another update on how the players are coping with the on-going problems facing the club has now turned into what could be a glimmer of light at what has seemed like a very long tunnel.

Eyes rolled when another meeting was called. How many meetings does it take to tell you there are no new developments? We were told this time might be different.

I looked to the manager for some kind of clue. Up until this point all meetings have been held in the Smartie room, so called because it is sponsored by Nestl Rowntree. All meetings held there so far have been nothing but bad news.

Superstitious as always I ask him where it's being held. He replies the Social Club. Things are already looking better.

Good news at last, the Supporters' Trust has taken control of the football club. All the players breathe a sigh of relief.

We still had a barrage of questions we wanted answers to. I think the past few months have made us all a little cynical.

With some of the questions answered, we leave feeling a little of the weight we've had on our shoulders for the past few months disappear. I say 'a little' because we still have to meet with the PFA to discuss our contracts with our new employers.

The situation at the club has left us all feeling a little deflated to say the least, but with a run of seven games undefeated I think we've proved to everyone that team spirit is certainly not lacking.

We have also seen the departure of two of our most influential players - Alan Fettis and Peter Duffield.

For two years running Fetts received the supporters' Player of the Year award. This is a testimony how good a goalkeeper he is. He helped us survive a few games when we could easily have drawn or lost.

Duffs' 15 goals speaks for itself. He was a highly valued member of the squad and will be sadly missed in the dressing room.

The month ahead will be hard, with games against Rushden & Diamonds, Cambridge, Bournemouth, and Wrexham, who, like us, are vying for a play-off position.

I am particularly looking forward to the Cambridge game, for obvious reasons. The 3-0 defeat at the beginning of the season still leaves a bad taste in my mouth, especially as we should have beaten them easily.

Our game on Saturday against Rushden & Diamonds is an important one. Personally, having sustained a slight groin strain in last week's game against Bury, I am hoping to be fit for selection.

Scott Jones is another injury concern for the manager as he suffered a twisted ankle during Saturday's warm-up and had to pull out.

With the renewed hope given by the Supporters' Trust I'm sure it will spur the team on this weekend and keep our undefeated record intact. Fingers crossed!

Updated: 10:30 Thursday, February 27, 2003