SUPPORTERS' pressure group, the Friends of Bootham Crescent (FoBC) has reacted with 'shock and disappointment' at the news that York City FC has only five weeks to secure its survival.

However, the group has cautiously welcomed news that administrators have taken over the day-to-day running of the club while a solution is sought.

FoBC spokesperson Ian Savage commented that this move will at least force the issue.

"John Batchelor told us all - in public - that he would hand the club over to the Supporters' Trust with immediate effect," he said. "That was weeks ago and he has failed to deliver on that promise, just like he's failed to deliver on most of his other promises to our long suffering supporters.

"His apparent inaction since then, has seemed to us like an ostrich burying its head. Now at least the matter has been brought to a head, and the administrators will actively seek a solution; something I'm not convinced that Batchelor has been doing, for some reason."

Savage also blasted the apparent financial success of York City Racing - Batchelor's motor racing team.

"The last set of accounts available (ending October 2001), show that the motor racing team turned over less than £200,000 for a season, and virtually all that money was spent on running two very basic and uncompetitive cars," he commented.

"Since Batchelor taking control of our football club however, the team have bought newer cars, and expanded into other competitions.

"It's now being rumoured that they want to move up to the Touring class of the BTCC championships, which will involve significant extra investment."

The directors of Bootham Crescent Holdings (BCH) are also criticised by FoBC for their part in the crisis now facing York City.

"These four men (Douglas Craig, Barry Swallow, Colin Webb and John Quickfall) started this whole process in the first place by separating the football club from its main asset, on the pretext that it was somehow beneficial to the club," added Savage. "However FoBC will continue to fight plans to sell Bootham Crescent for the personal gain of these individuals, even if - God forbid - the club folds.

"Right now, the BCH directors, despite each of them claiming to be true fans of York City Football Club, seem to be happy to watch the club slide into extinction.

"However, the true supporters of this club will fight on, and we pledge not to give up until York City FC is safe, and has a secure and suitable home in the City - preferably at Bootham Crescent."

Updated: 12:17 Thursday, December 19, 2002