THE former chief executive of Super League club London Broncos has said he would consider taking on a role at York Wasps if approached.

Lionel Hurst, a Cheltenham-based lawyer, is a big fan of both York and rugby league, and indeed is the man behind the inaugural Golden Jubilee Rugby League Festival to be staged at Heworth in June.

He told the Evening Press today that he was keen to see the Wasps get back on their feet and hoped, like all fans, that a deal to save the club before today's 3pm deadline could be agreed.

If a rescue package was not agreed, the Wasps' resignation from the Rugby Football League would be accepted and the club would cease to exist, ending 134 years of professional rugby in York.

"I'm aware of the excellent response shown by the fans of York Wasps to their crisis and if someone was to sit down with me and talk about how I could be of assistance I would be very receptive," said Hurst.

"This is a real opportunity to see a rebirth of this great club.

"There are a lot of people who care deeply and the main thing is to have in charge people who love the city and the club.

"I don't want to be seen as meddling - I'm not from the city. But I'm genuine about York and its rugby league side.

"I haven't ruled out a move to the city of York. The place is close to my heart for many reasons, one of which is our great sport of rugby league."

The York Golden Jubilee RL Festival will see teams from all over the British Isles compete in nine-a-side games for the new Fairfax Trophy. That competition has already received major backing.

Hurst added: "We've always made it clear that as this festival grows, much of its profits will go towards funding the growth of the sport in the city."

Updated: 09:12 Tuesday, March 26, 2002