York City Supporters' Trust is appealing to local fans to pledge to help them to buy ailing York City Football Club.

Although the cash-strapped club itself is not expected to cost more than a token £1 to purchase, massive debts and ongoing projected losses until the end of the season mean that a significant investment will be needed.

The Trust has sent out the message to supporters that they can help by being a part of the rescue package.

The Trust has set a target of £500,000 in pledges by the deadline of Saturday, January 18, and feels confident that supporters will once again rally round.

Trust spokesperson Sophie McGill said the figure is achievable.

"Although half a million seems like a vast amount of money, it actually only represents 2,000 supporters pledging us an average of £250 each. Even that doesn't have to be in one go - it could be £20 per month for the next year, or £5 per week.

"However, we need everyone to pledge whatever they can - even if it's much less than that."

In return, it is expected that individual investors will be given some kind of ownership, possibly shares in the club, Supporters Trust, or debentures.

McGill was quick to point out that this would be finalised before any cash was requested.

"We are not asking supporters for any money right now; however we are asking them to pledge to provide funding in return for some kind of share in the ownership of their football club. Exactly what form that takes will be decided before we ask for a penny as part of the scheme," she said.

"This will enable us to approach the administrators before the January deadline, with a strong idea of what kind of financial resources we are likely to be able to call upon."

York businessman and lifelong City fan John Mingay has volunteered the services of his company, FIND Business Finance, free of charge to co-ordinate all the pledge offers.

FIND has also funded the costs of producing a pledge leaflet, which was to be handed out to supporters attending tonight's home match against Lincoln City.

To make a pledge, call John Mingay at FIND on 08700 111229. Alternatively you can email find@figroup.fsnet.co.uk , or write to FIND Business Finance, Rowan House, Northminster Business Park, Northfield Lane, Poppleton, York. YO26 6QU.

Tomorrow's Evening Press will include readers' letters on this week's dramatic developments at Bootham Crescent.

Updated: 12:51 Friday, December 20, 2002