THE sale of York City Football Club could be completed within a matter of days.

Taking part in an Evening Press question and answer session live on the Internet last night, prospective new owner John Batchelor reaffirmed his confidence that a deal was imminent.

"We hope to complete the deal this week," he told fans.

The motor-racing tycoon, owner-driver of the B&Q Honda Integra Racing Team, also revealed two "major" sponsors supporting both the club and his race team will be announced shortly.

Batchelor also revealed he would consider making a bid for top-goal scorer Michael Proctor, currently on loan at Bootham Crescent from Sunderland.

"We are looking at it now," he said, adding that enough money would be made available to the manager to "ensure that the side is substantially strengthened".

Insisting the Third Division title could be won next year, Batchelor also promised a "cultural change to the club that is very customer-focused" off the pitch.

As part of that change in outlook, Batchelor said one of his first actions would be to sign City up to the Kick Racism Out Of Football charter.

The Minstermen are the only professional club in the country not to have signed up to the initiative.

Batchelor said: "What we have planned at York will probably build the best relationship between a football club and its supporters in the country."

Under his chairmanship he pledged the club would build closer links with the community and the vast student population in the city would be targeted as potential new fans.

Batchelor said the proposed new stadium, a central part of his takeover bid, would more than likely have under-soil heating, and he would also look into the feasability of a retractable roof.

Updated: 10:50 Tuesday, March 05, 2002