Marathon man hits road for City youth

10:57am Wednesday 2nd July 2008

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LONDON-BASED York City fan Andy Naylor ran his fastest half-marathon for 20 years to help raise funds for the club’s youth team.

Andy crossed the Kirkcudbright half-marathon line in one hour, 54 minutes and ten seconds after members of City’s London and South Supporters’ Club had sponsored him for the Dumfries and Galloway race.

The 50-year-old account manager also made a donation himself, adding up to a total contribution of £150 towards the £10,000 target needed to ensure the club’s youth team is fully-funded next season.

About his reasons for helping City’s cause, former St Peter’s pupil Andy said: “I ran mainly in aid of Sport Relief but any donations I received from City fans went to the youth team appeal. I started watching the club in 1966 when, at the age of eight, my family moved to York from London.

“I only lived in York for 15 years, but I have kept loyal to the club. Unlike bigger clubs, you don’t get all the hassle of not being able to get tickets or afford them.

“I get to as many games as I can and am hoping to visit Lewes and Eastbourne next season. I’m a bit of a ground hopper and have been to 166 but those will be new ones.

“I wanted to help the club as it’s getting harder and harder to compete financially the longer we stay in the Conference with the loss of the parachute payments. We’ve got to develop our own talent and my favourite home-grown player was Gary Ford in the 1980s.

“He seemed very loyal, tried very hard and was very consistent, as well as exciting to watch.”

Further donations from Andy’s fellow London exile Alan Almond and Dalescroft Guest House, along with additional payments made during renewals by season-ticket holders, have helped the fund, launched by first-team coach driver Colin Swann, reach its target.

However, anybody interested in making a further contribution, should phone club secretary Nick Bassett on 0870 777 1922.