CHAIRMAN John Batchelor reckons York City may never get their hands on a share of a £20million rescue package designed to aid football's ailing clubs.

As reported in yesterday's Evening Press, the Football Stadia Improvement Fund, the Football Association and the Premier League have agreed to set up a 'slush fund' which Nationwide clubs could tap into to ease their money worries.

Under the scheme, Third Division clubs like City could bank up to £68,000 over two years.

Batchelor publicly criticised the plan when it was first mooted last month, claiming £20million would only scratch the surface of football's financial problems.

Now, having seen the finer details of the plan, Batchelor reckons City will in any case struggle to get their hands on their share of the money.

"It is not as clear-cut as it appears," explained Batchelor.

"Any club applying for the money has to be able to say they will still be playing in three years' time.

"Given the current problems facing most clubs at the moment, I would be surprised if any could ever give such a guarantee.

"Clearly, most clubs would be lying if they said they were sure they would definitely be in existence in three years time.

"Who would be liable I do not know, but I certainly wouldn't like to be putting my name to it."

Last month, Batchelor called on the Football League's top brass to resign after his proposed £500 million rescue package was rejected.

Batchelor's plan involved the Football League borrowing the huge sum of money from banks with future gate receipts used as security.

A spokesman for the Football League said today there were certain conditions clubs would have to fulfil in order to get the money.

One condition is they agree to remain as members of the League for the duration of the current television deal signed with Sky, the aim being to kill off any lingering talk of breakaway leagues.

Clubs will also have to show they can fulfil their fixtures for the coming season and provide accounts which show the club has a "reasonable" cash flow, something City may struggle to do given their current money problems

Meanwhile, Batchelor, who is still unable to comment on the current uncertainty surrounding City while insolvency practitioners look through the club's books, is insisting coach Luther Blissett is still employed by the club.

It was reported in the Evening Press last month that Blissett was leaving his coaching post on a temporary basis.

Batchelor claimed Blissett was going to be working on a number of commercial opportunities while Blissett said he was heading to Scandinavia to look at possible loan signings.

However, despite both vowing Blissett would return to coaching, the Evening Press understands the former Watford and England striker is still absent from the club's training ground.

Batchelor said: "Luther is still employed by the club and he will continue to take an active role in the club.

"He has been away from the training ground but no doubt we will see him back there shortly."

Updated: 11:31 Wednesday, December 11, 2002