THE new York rugby league club will be an organisation "of which York residents can be proud".

That was the message from local solicitor and respected charity worker Roger Dixon, the long-time fan who is set to be named as chairman of the new club should it get the go-ahead.

Dixon said the aims were to make the new club a community-based outfit run for the good of the city.

But he added that the York public were now needed to take it to the next level, by buying club memberships and season tickets as soon as possible.

Dixon was speaking of the application for the club to be allowed back into the league next season, which has been successful on the proviso it has £75,000 in the bank by August 31.

"Our objective was always to create the climate in which an application for readmission stood a realistic chance of success," he said.

"Having secured that objective, the matter is now in the hands of the supporters and the city of York. As we have always said, the new club must be properly resourced to underpin a realistic prospect of success, promotion and development on and off the field."

He added: "It has always been my vision that a new club would be viewed as belonging to the city and an organisation of which the residents of York might be proud."

Dixon also went on record to praise the work of Steve Ferres, the former Wakefield chief executive who will take the reins of the new club should it get the go-ahead, and said York RL was lucky to have him on board.

"Supporters of York RLFC, and the citizens of York generally, owe much to Steve Ferres, who has worked tirelessly at his own expense over the last few months to get the club provisionally admitted to the league," he said.

"Without his efforts, expertise and commitment we would not now be facing the prospect of re-establishing a professional rugby league team in the city."

Of the fans, he added: "I would like to thank all those who have sent cheques and given pledges so far; it has been a source of encouragement to the working party.

"Now is the hour, however, for anyone else who wishes to ensure the relaunch of a new club to commit themselves to the dream."

Updated: 12:11 Wednesday, August 21, 2002