I LIVE very close to Bootham Crescent and have no interest in football.

But Saturdays wouldn't be Saturdays without the dulcet tones of Vindaloo! Vindaloo! Vindaloo! Ebor! Ebor! Ebor! wafting over my backyard.

Away from the pitch, you couldn't wish for more civilised and well-behaved fans. They put to shame the 'supporters' of some other clubs I could mention and make me proud to be a citizen of York.

We have two newsagents, a chippy and a Working Men's Club who stand to lose a lot of trade if York City goes. They're what gives this area its character.

We've lost enough of our local shops and amenities as it is. Do we really want to become a deathly residential suburb, languishing in the shadow of high-security gates protecting soulless executive homes?

So up and at 'em Yorkie boy!

Dr Julie Speedie,

Newborough Street,

York.

...WHY does Douglas Craig insist on patronising the supporters of York City? He keeps using these threats about our behaviour over the recent protests of which all but two isolated incidents have been peaceful.

I took part in the march on Saturday, January 12, and apart from the singing and (non-abusive) chanting, it was a very peaceful and high-impact event.

For any supporter who hasn't the skills or finances to help the Supporters' Trust, this was our way of showing our support for the trust and our club.

The chants in the ground were not racist or obscene, so how can Douglas Craig say that our behaviour left a lot to be desired. He is treating us like children who won't go on the school trip if we don't behave.

What is wrong with showing our passion and opinions for the club we love?

The game on Tuesday night was fantastic, well done to the players for such an electrifying game and a brilliant result. The attendance at the game must tell Douglas Craig that we want a football club in York.

So a personal appeal to all armchair supporters of York City, please get down to Bootham Crescent for the league as well as cup games and give them your support.

Ruth Reynolds,

Leasmires Avenue,

Easingwold.

...IF York City closes it will affect a lot more people than the supporters - those who listen to the radio, the commentators and journalists, those who watch them on Yorkshire TV, those who talk about City in the pub, those who just feel generally that they like York City being there.

Then there are the folk abroad, the disabled, the man in the nearby shop, the publicans, the suppliers, all those who work for the club.

John Wallace,

Markham Crescent, York.

Updated: 10:35 Monday, January 21, 2002