YORK City Supporters Trust have pledged to establish a fighting fund to ease the financial pressures at Bootham Crescent.

The 25 per cent stakeholders of the club have also announced their commitment to recognise chairman Jason McGill’s continued faith in the role and function of Jackie McNamara as chief executive.

In a statement, Trust chairman John Lacy said: “I want to define two main Trust objectives as we move into the next chapter in the history of York City Football Club. They are, firstly, to recognise Jason's faith in the role and function of Jackie McNamara as CEO and to work with him towards improving the partnership and communications between the club board, the Trust and the wider fan base.

“Secondly, we want to work with other fans groups, partners and local businesses in order to identify significant sources of new income and establish a ‘Fighting Fund’ to ease the financial pressures bearing down on the football club.”

Lacy also praised McGill for his commitment to the continuation of full-time football at Bootham Crescent and his acceptance of responsibility for the club’s troubles, following back-to-back relegations from the Football League to National League North.

The statement then went on to express a hope that Gary Mills would carry on as manager next term.

Lacy added: “At a time when all York City supporters share feelings of deep disappointment and sadness, we welcome Jason McGill's brave and honest acceptance of responsibility for the club's failure to achieve success on the field during the past two seasons. We recognise that our chairman made decisions with every good intention and share his real sense of regret that things have not worked out in the way we all wanted.

“As he admits in his statement, we know that he is hurting as much as anyone since we know also that, like us, he is a fan. It takes a strong person to admit having made mistakes, so we should credit him with courage and integrity.

“The Trust applauds Jason's determination to continue his financial support of the club into next season and we welcome his decision to maintain a full time playing staff, hopefully under the leadership of Gary Mills. Without Jason's massive financial and personal investment in the club over the last 14 years, York City would have perished.

“The Supporters Trust also played its part 14 years ago in saving York City and our role has always been to represent the voice of the fans and the community to the governing body of our football club. We also have a duty as a shareholding partner in the club to represent the club to the fans.

“This can only be achieved through the maintenance of a strong and trusting partnership between the Trust board and the club board. There was nothing to cheer us at the final whistle on Saturday - except the fact that nearly 4,000 fans turned up to show their loyalty, as they have done all season.

“That is no cold comfort. It is an encouragement to all of us for the future.”