Byrne lights torch

9:43am Saturday 12th April 2008

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YORK City legend John Byrne provided the major inspiration for Tadcaster coach driver Colin Swann's generous gesture to the club this week.

When learning of the shortfall to fund the club's youth programme next season, Colin remembered enjoying the exploits of Byrne after his graduation through the ranks to the first team squad.

Byrne was recommended to then City manager Wilf McGuinness by a Manchester cab driver, who had seen him playing in a park.

The blond-haired striker went on to become the Minstermen's top scorer during the record-breaking 1983/84 Division Four Championship winning campaign, forging a lethal strike partnership with Keith Walwyn.

Following a then club record £100,000 move to QPR, he later played in both the FA Cup and League Cup Finals and won 23 caps for the Republic of Ireland.

Byrne was one of the first success stories of a City youth policy that has since nurtured the likes of Marco Gabbiadini, Graeme Murty, Jonathan Greening and Richard Cresswell.

Encouraged by the promising league debut of 17-year-old striker Adam Boyes at Stafford on Tuesday and, recalling the exciting progress of Byrne almost 25 years ago, Colin, who ferries the first team to away matches for the York Pullman Bus Company, was moved to donate £500 towards the £10,000 needed to help Neil Redfearn's junior side stay afloat.

An anonymous City fan has already matched Colin's contribution and he hopes, by launching his appeal in The Press, the future of the youth team can be secured in a manner similar to our campaign to save the reserves two years ago.

He said: "I feel getting 20 people to donate £500 is a realistic target in the city of York. It's a worthy cause and I am happy to kick-start it. With the club being in the Blue Square Premier, money is tight but they've got to keep the youth policy. It is the future of the club and will be the most important section over the next few years.

"John Byrne always springs to mind for me. He came through the youth system and was a great player. He went on to play at Wembley in an FA Cup final and that shows what it can lead to.

"If we can create another player like him then that would be fantastic. I saw Adam come on at Stafford on Tuesday and he looked impressive. It was a good little debut and I think there are two or three others that are of a similar level to him.

"I hope more people can help because I feel the club and lads like him deserve the support."

Colin is also hoping the next batch of City hopefuls can follow in Byrne's footsteps by running out at the famous home of English football. He said: "I was as upset as the players when we were knocked out of the FA Trophy semi-final. It would have been the highlight of my coach-driving career to take the players up Wembley Way and I don't know who would have been more nervous. We will have to do it next season now."

Anyone who wants to help the youth set-up by donating is asked to contact City secretary Nick Bassett on 0870 777 1922.

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