THEME park boss Gordon Gibb today claimed his £500,000 offer to buy York City Football Club with a further £1million being made available for new players remains on the table.

And in reaction to the publicity surrounding the proposed takeover, Mr Gibb was today set to issue a statement about his intentions.

The 24-year-old co-owner of Flamingo Land Theme Park and Zoo, near Malton, said: "It will concern my plans for the club and is intended to assure the fans that my intentions are honourable and positive."

He stressed he was not involved in a "battle of personalities" with City chairman Douglas Craig, the proposed takeover being purely football related.

"Mr Craig has done a good job at York City as only a canny Scot could do," said Mr Gibb.

"But now is the time for the next phase. The primary importance is the footballing future of the club."

As reported in yesterday's Evening Press, Mr Gibb claimed he had approached the club some weeks ago with his offer to buy 200,000 shares despite York City chairman Douglas Craig insisting no formal offer had been made.

However, now the alleged negotiations had become public, Mr Gibb accepted resurrecting any deal would be "very difficult".

All the latest news regarding the proposed takeover will be posted on the Evening Press website www.thisisyork.co.uk

Pickering Town have announced that Flamingo Land will be their main sponsors next season.