I READ the Evening Press with alarm, dismay then rising anger on learning about York City's plan to sell the ground and quit the Football League (January 9).

Yes, what the directors of Bootham Crescent Holdings are doing may be legally correct, but what about their moral duty?

They are technically the owners of the club but should regard themselves as the guardians of City on behalf of the public of York. Some may well ask if they have been good guardians in view of Wednesday's announcement.

So, Messrs Craig, Quickfall, Swallow and Webb, congratulations on possibly becoming near-millionaires. But will you be able to look at yourselves in the mirror each day from now on?

Martin Durham,

Cherrywood Crescent,

Fulford, York.

...WORDS can not express the outrage and disgust I feel towards the board of York City FC.

Wednesday's announcement that Bootham Crescent would have to be vacated in six months by any new owner is an insult to the people of York and the fans of York City Football Club. Bootham Crescent is synonymous with York and has been the traditional home of football in the city for almost 70 years. To disregard the heritage and hopes of thousands of York people is a slap in the face for the loyalty shown by so many people for so many years.

I hope the Evening Press is prepared to proclaim this Machiavellian business deal for the scandalous piece of asset stripping it is.

Douglas Craig should be made aware that any money he makes from this deal will come at the heavy cost of a total loss of reputation with the people of Yorkshire.

After weeks of smokescreens the truth has finally been revealed and it is now up to the Evening Press to muster the counter attack.

Phil Simpson,

School Lane,

Kilnwick, Driffield.

...IN view of the developments at Bootham Crescent, I thought your readers might help shed some light on the following curious press release, which has come into my possession.

"Ye Olde Church Commissioners (Assetshuffle Holdings) plc will today announce that it has given notice to quit to York Minster Subsidiary Co. Limited, requiring possession of York Minster on June 1, 2002.

"The company will also give notice to the Queen that it has resigned from the Church of England with effect from Easter. No further services will be held at the premises after an occupation of more than 800 years."

Commenting on the changes the chairman of Assetshuffle Holdings is alleged to have said: "Clearly, as the major asset holder of a large plot of valuable land with development potential in the centre of the city, we are entitled to ignore the interests of the community, anyone's feelings, the parishioners who turn up in all weathers, year after year, and especially those who have put more money into the plate collectively over the years than I ever have.

"That's business. Don't lecture me on morality". He continued on a lighter note. "We have already been in talks with Clappedout Moor Parish Council. The congregation, choir and ministers can easily relocate to a perfectly adequate shed on the moor. We'll even let them take the four candleabra as a token of our boundless generosity. The parish council has said the services will have to be shared with some bring-and-buy sales, but that can't be a problem." He was unable to comment on rumours that York Minster is to be demolished to make way for 60 executive homes, to be developed by Assetshuffle Holdings.

E A Coates,

Crescent Lane, London.

Updated: 10:19 Friday, January 11, 2002