TWO York City stalwarts have spoken of their shock about the current situation at Bootham Crescent.

Hugh Kitchin and Arthur Brown were directors of the club in the most exciting season in the club's 80-year history when they reached the FA Cup semi-final and came very close to Wembley, City losing in a replay to Newcastle United in 1955 at Roker Park.

Both men, now aged 88, are surprised at the way things have changed since their time on the board.

Hugh Kitchin, a retired York solicitor, joined the board in 1946 and remained as a director until 1969, being chairman for 13 years from 1954 before having to retire because of ill-health.

He said today: "I don't wish to be critical of the present board because I know from experience how difficult it is to run a club.

"However, all I would say is that things have certainly changed. Directors in my day didn't regard it as their club to make money. We were merely looking after it on behalf of the public of York and district.

"I wouldn't want to add to that, although I have my own private views of course."

Brown, managing director of Isaac Poad's seed merchants in Walmgate (where the Evening Press building now stands), until his retirement, was on the City board from 1954 to 1970 when he came off owing to ill-health.

He added: "I helped to run the local football club, Cliftonville, with Les Horsley and we produced some good young players for City, including Mark Granger, David Dunmore, Colin Addison and Barry Jackson.

"When I joined the City board I bought shares at the par of £1 each and when I came off I sold them at the same figure, apart from 30 shares which I have to this day.

"There is no point in me being critical of the present set-up because things change in football. But I would add that when you have had enough as a director you should pack it in instead of cashing in and give the rest of the money to charity."

Updated: 13:09 Wednesday, January 16, 2002