York City Supporters Club are closing in on their first milestone in the quest for a 1,500-strong membership.

Ray Wynn, secretary of the organisation, revealed the club is confident the 100-barrier has already been passed during the opening phase of recruitment.

And in another positive development, press and membership officer Rob Havercroft said of the first 50 supporters to sign up 95 per cent were new members.

The club is targeting City's prestigious friendlies against Manchester United and Middlesbrough as the next launch-pad for a surge in membership.

Havercroft will be in the Bootham Crescent club shop from 6pm tonight, prior to City kicking-off for their first pre-season friendly against Marske United (7.30pm) for anyone wanting to sign-up. Wynn will also be in attendance at the shop tomorrow and the following Friday, between 10am and 12noon.

The theme of the membership drive is 'Putting York City on the Map' and a large map will be on display in the shop with pins marking each location outside York with members.

Posters will be put up around the club explaining to members just what they get for their pound membership fee and plans are afoot for a giant thermometer which will see the temperature 'raised' for every 50th or 100th new member.

The Supporters' Club is wanting to recruit 1,500 members after City chairman Douglas Craig agreed for a fans representative to sit on the board should the target be reached.