BARRISTER Simon Mallett has donated £500 towards York City's 'Push for Promotion' appeal.

The fund was set up this week following a £5,000 contribution from Michael Oglesby, of Ardent Finance, and all money raised will going into a transfer kitty for Minstermen manager Billy McEwan.

City are hoping McEwan can still mastermind a play-off challenge during the last three months of the season but believe the task would be made considerably easier if the wily Scot has money to spend before Tuesday's January 31 deadline and, afterwards, in the loan market.

York-based Mallett, 43, is a vice-president at KitKat Crescent and was involved in the setting up of the Supporters' Trust, of which he was initially a board member.

His sons George and Edward are also keen City fans and, about his donation, Mallett said: "I am a keen York City supporter and I want to do whatever I can to assist them getting back into the Football League.

"I think we have a very good team, an excellent manager and an enthusiastic board. With a bit more money, we could get in additional players to make the difference in terms of bringing success to the club."

Mallett also added that he is confident McEwan will spend his money wisely, saying: "I have no doubt Billy McEwan is a very shrewd manager who will invest the money in the type of player we need. I think he will spend every penny exceptionally well because I believe he has excellent judgement.

"He knows exactly what he's doing and he has achieved a lot on a small budget. His loan signings, such as Lee Andrews, David McGurk, Tcham N'Toya and Darren Craddock, have also been very good and strengthened the squad and I'm sure, if he was given more money, he would get in equally competent players."

Season-ticket holder Mallett is now hoping local businesses will follow suit and help put the City back on the sporting map.

He said: "A lot of supporters have given so much time and effort over the last few seasons and I am in a fortunate position where I am able to put in a bit more money. I hope others will be willing to provide additional finances so we can just get into the play-offs."

Updated: 09:45 Saturday, January 28, 2006