OUTGOING supporters' chief Jeff Mortimer admits John Batchelor's enthusiasm nearly prompted a change of heart as the curtain comes down on almost five decades of service to York City.

As reported in the Evening Press, Mortimer is standing down as chairman of the City Supporters' Club after 19 years in the post. In total, he has served for more than 45 years on the committee of the fans' group.

Mortimer admits his decision to retire from the job was a wrench, particularly after he met new club chairman and owner Batchelor at the supporters' club annual general meeting.

"He came very close to making me change my mind," said Mortimer, aged 64.

"He was full of enthusiasm and that came through at the meeting.

"I came away thinking nothing will daunt him and he had a lot of good ideas.

"He is bringing some useful people into the club, like Luther Blissett and the new directors, and he is certainly a man to be supported.

"It is just a shame I cannot be in a position to help with my support."

Mortimer said he had three reasons for stepping down.

An ailment affecting his balance meant he was unable to attend matches as much as he would have liked.

"I don't think it is right to continue as chairman of the Supporters' Club when I am no longer in a position to support the team as much as I would like," he reasoned.

Last September he was also appointed chairman of Age Concern York, a job he described as "very interesting and fulfilling".

He also said the formation of the Supporters' Trust played a part in his decision.

"I see the Supporters' Club having to move in an entirely different direction because of the formation of the Supporters' Trust," he explained.

"Because of my age and disability I thought it would be only right and proper to hand over to a younger man who can steer the club in the right direction."

Despite his decision to step down, Mortimer, of Plantation Grove, York, said his love for City remained undiminished.

"I will still be following York City and I will be there as much as I can," he said.

"I am still a member of the Supporters' Club and if my experience can be of benefit they only have to ask."

He added: "I have thoroughly enjoyed it and it was not a decision I came to easily.

"It took a lot of thinking about and it was certainly not made on the spur of the moment.

"City have had some good times over the years but unfortunately the last few have not been very good.

"But we can look back on the trip to Wembley, the FA Cup semi-finals in 1955, and a few promotions to higher divisions."

Mortimer will continue to serve as secretary of the north division of the National Federation of Football Supporters' Clubs.

The existing City Supporters' Club committee was re-elected at last month's AGM.

A new chairman to replace Mortimer will be decided at the next meeting of the group in July.

Updated: 11:01 Saturday, June 08, 2002