York City boss Billy McEwan is calling on the city to help change the Minstermen's fortunes.

The appeal, which comes just days after the manager told negative fans to stay away, was made at a club roadshow at Malton last night on the same day as an £80,000 loss for last year was announced.

McEwan said: "We need as many supporters as possible in the City to get behind the team.

"York is a big place and an extra 500 fans through the gates would make a big difference.

"I know it's been tough for York City fans over recent years, but rest assured I'm doing everything I can to put together the right team this season."

Managing director Jason McGill said: "A further 500 supporters through the gate each season provides an additional £125,000 income into the club, which could be used to pay the interest on our £2million Football Stadia Improvement Fund loan and also provide Billy McEwan with extra funds for his playing budget."

McGill added: "We are calling on our fans to step up to the challenge of trying to boost attendances by either introducing new people to the Club or persuading those who no longer come and watch to return to KitKat Crescent.

"We realise attendances are linked to on pitch success and Billy is working very hard to form a team who will provide a distinct improvement on last season."

Supporters' Trust vice-chairman and club director Steve Beck said: "The Trust Board will be working together with the club and various supporter groups to help generate as much as possible over the 2005/06 season. Even after the £500,000 raised to 'save City' in 2003, over the past couple of years our supporters have continued to sustain an unprecedented level of fund-raising for the benefit of York City.

"The majority of our supporters understand and appreciate the tight financial constraints their club is operating under. The challenge is for fund-raising to continue."

Updated: 10:30 Wednesday, July 27, 2005