STEVE Ferres today said he was confident the new York RL club would get the funds needed to acquire Rugby Football League status.

Ferres, who will be the new club's chief executive should it be given the go-ahead by the RFL, told the Evening Press that people in the city were believing in the new club and were getting behind it.

Furthermore, the cause has been boosted by a £400 donation from the York City Supporters' Trust - showing that the city's football fans were also giving support.

The club needs to have £75,000 before Saturday to meet the RFL proviso for gaining admission to the league, and, although there was still some way to go, Ferres said he expected enough people to come on board by buying club membership and season tickets to make it possible.

"People are starting to believe in what we are trying to do," he said ahead of tonight's public meeting for fans (7pm start at Huntington Stadium).

"It was always going to take time but things are definitely moving forward."

YCST spokesman Sophie McGill said: "As well as the constructive advice we have offered the rugby club in their recent efforts, the York City Supporters' Trust believe it is also important to pledge a financial contribution to their campaign.

"We were in a similar crisis situation at the beginning of the year and we know how important donations of this kind are in terms of boosting funds and morale.

"For the benefit of professional sport in York and the community in general, a professional rugby club must be maintained. We urge individuals and businesses throughout the city to support York RL and their campaign in any way possible"

The club topped the £50,000 barrier yesterday - before the YCSC cash injection.

Ferres said: "If we can get that extra £25,000 now we'll be in there.

"Yes, we do need more people to come on board, but if we get more people there tonight we can expand on what we're doing.

"It's simple. We're giving them something they've not had before. We're not stopping them from getting involved, we're encouraging it.

"We want people to be involved in everything, from things to do on match-days, to getting sponsorship, the whole thing. We want to foster this togetherness. I am certain we can make it work."

As for the YCST, he added: "It is fantastic that they are supporting us.

"We want to work with them in any way, shape or form we can because we are all working for the benefit of professional sport in York. We want to help each other."

Updated: 11:36 Wednesday, August 28, 2002