YORK City Supporters Trust have admitted they will need people to “step up to the plate” if Jason McGill withdraws his financial support from the football club.

Club chairman McGill has outlined that a ‘No’ vote at Thursday’s Supporters Trust special general meeting, when members will be polled on the Golden Share Proposal, would mean his company JM Packaging would cease to cover the club’s losses.

That would mean the Minstermen operating on a break-even basis from next season, which McGill believes would usher in an era of part-time football at Bootham Crescent, which he is opposed to implementing as he seeks to retain a Football League infrastructure.

The Trust, though, believe that does not need to necessarily be the case.

In the fans’ body’s online question-and-answer session, it cited the first two years of Trust ownership from 2003 to 2005 as evidence to support that theory when a profit of £35,297 was made even though City were relegated from the Football League and almost went down from the Conference during that period.

That horrendous double was, of course, endured during the 2015/16 and 2016/17 campaigns when eye-watering losses were incurred in contrast, but the Trust reckon success can be achieved on a shoestring, depending on the quality of the coaching staff.

Commenting on the implications of a ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ vote next week, the Trust spokesperson said: “Whatever the outcome and whatever decision Jason McGill makes subsequently, the Trust board is committed to gathering together the people and resources to meet whatever demands face the club and its supporters. Both at board level and throughout the membership, fans with appropriate qualifications, experience and commitment may need to step up to the plate.

“We shall all need to dedicate time, money and practical help if we are to meet whatever challenges arise, whether the Trust is working in partnership with Jason McGill or without him. The Supporters Trust saved York City in 2002/3 and we believe we can do it again if needs be.”

On the issue of next term’s financial budget if McGill’s JM Packaging company no longer cover operating losses, the Trust spokesperson added: “The Trust’s preference would be for the club board to review the budget for next season and reduce the deficit through cost-cutting and/or price increases.

“If there was any projected shortfall, then the Trust would explore fundraising options to assist the club. Going part-time is one way of making savings but given the Trust’s experience of running the club at breakeven from 2003 to 2005 thanks to prudent budgeting and contributions from fans, this may not be necessary.

“As far as the standard of football is concerned, supporters are already watching it. Most visiting teams are part-time and you must judge whether or not you think there is a significant difference in quality.

“Position in the league depends on the ability, commitment and confidence of the players and an element of good luck. To get players with these qualities into the club and motivated to perform to the best of their ability requires talented and gifted coaching staff.

“To put all this together with a limited budget is a tall order for fans, but it has been done by various fans groups and Supporters Trusts at other clubs.”

McGill, meanwhile, has suggested that, in the event of a ‘Yes’ vote, he could look to increase the number of club directors once the club have moved to a new stadium and would also give consideration to Trust representation in the boardroom.

The current board consists of McGill and Ian McAndrew only and City’s majority shareholder reasoned: “I think that composition of a new board should be considered when the club moves to the new stadium, with this consisting of individuals with the right skill sets to help run the club. There has to be a commitment to financial undertaking and meeting the fiduciary duties required to be involved with a limited company with a significant amount of time being required for management and board meetings.

“If these criteria can be met, then consideration will be given to the individual.”

McGill also clarified how the proceeds of Bootham Crescent’s sale will be shared between the club’s different creditors.

The City of York Council are entitled to £2million, which will be covered by Football Foundation funds in respect of the converted Football Stadia Improvement loan that was taken out to buy Bootham Crescent and its facilities back from former club directors Douglas Craig, Barry Swallow and Colin Webb.

Interest from that loan, amounting to £400,000, will then be paid from the sale of the ground to the FSIF.

Next in line are Craig, Swallow and Webb, who will receive £125,000 for their remaining stake in Bootham Crescent Holdings.

Other minority BCH shareholders are also entitled to a total of £80,000.

Only after those amounts have been settled will JM Packaging receive any of their £4milion-plus loaned money back – on an interest-free basis, as stated by McGill.

The club would then receive any surplus money.