YORK Wasps Rugby League Club have earned a stay of execution.

But it will be up to the York public to decide if the club will eventually suffer a Dick Turpin-style fate.

Former chairman John Stabler and ex-vice-chairman Russell Greenfield won the cash-strapped Northern Ford Premiership club valuable time in the High Court yesterday.

The Wasps were facing extinction if they failed to fend off a winding-up order brought by the Inland Revenue, to whom they owe £77,000.

They were granted 63 days to come up with a payment plan and Stabler and Greenfield assumed control of the club from today. If they fail to come up with the cash at the next hearing on August 9 it would more than likely mean the end for a club which has been part of the city's heritage for a century or so.

The wheels are already in motion to generate money, with a new shirt sponsor the first priority. But the people of York must also demonstrate their support by returning to the terraces in large numbers.

Last Sunday's attendance of just over 1,100 was poor given that it could have been Wasps' last-ever game.

The club need to be more proactive.

It is no longer good enough to put on a match on a Sunday afternoon and expect people to turn up. Wasps need to raise their profile in the city and surrounding areas and sell themselves to the public - particularly the schools.

They could do a lot worse than contact York City FC, whose recent marketing initiatives are to be applauded.

While raising the cash will be Wasps' immediate aim, building up the fan base is crucial if they are to ever break free from their financial shackles.

Fans can show their support at the club's next home game on Sunday, June 18, when Stabler will address the fans before the game against Dewsbury.

Let's hope there is a large audience to hear his words.