ONE of the most poignant sights at Bootham Crescent could be lost if the ground is sold at the end of the season.

The David Longhurst Memorial stand has been a gentle reminder to fans of the striker who collapsed and died while playing in City's game against Lincoln City on September 8, 1990.

But this memorial, which was funded by supporters and opened by David's father, Vic, before a friendly against Leeds United on October 15, 1991, will be lost forever if the ground is sold for housing or developments.

And Vic Longhurst, who watch City's draw with Torquay on Saturday, has been quick to express his sadness if the Bootham Crescent was to close.

"It would be a very sad day for us and all the supporters connected to York City," he told the Evening Press. "I read in a newspaper before Christmas about what was happening and I was dismayed."

Despite living in Corby, Longhurst and his family try to watch York whenever they can - although it is mainly when they are in the Northamptonshire area - but the potential closure of the ground would not stop them going to City in the future.

"Because of what happened to David, Bootham Crescent has become a very special place for us," he said.

"The stand is definitely a draw for us at York, but the club will always be greater than David. It has been running since 1922 and it is a bigger club than a stand named after our son."

However, Longhurst is hoping that Bootham Crescent will continue to be the sacred home of City.

"I hope that a solution can be found," he added. "York would never be the same if Bootham Crescent wasn't there. It is a lovely little ground."

Updated: 13:08 Wednesday, January 16, 2002