THESE days you can get a degree in football business studies.

And you need one to explain the finances of a game which sees one club poised to spend £60 million on a single striker, and another struggle to find a few thousand pounds to treat injured players.

Chelsea are in the Premiership and York City are in the Conference, but in terms of hard cash they might as well be on different planets.

At City's level, the economics are basic. Fewer people through the turnstiles means less money to spend on players, leading to poorer performances and results, and yet lower crowds.

It is a vicious circle. But it is one we can break. As our back page report reveals, just 500 more through the gate each week would transform the club's potential.

Now is the perfect moment to make a New Season Resolution. York City's most loyal fans have saved their club from extinction more than once. It is time the rest of us pledged to stand alongside them.

Lapsed fans, it is time to regain the faith. Dads, tell the young Arsenal or Manchester United supporter in your household that supporting your local club is what our national game is all about.

A city needs its football club, and now the football club needs its city. Go on. Make a date with the Minstermen next season.

Updated: 10:41 Wednesday, July 27, 2005