YORK City supporters Robert Beaumont and David Nicholson are ready to donate £1,000 to help save the club's reserve team.

Both men have decided to make the gesture after reading first-team manager Billy McEwan's appeal in Wednesday's Evening Press.

The club have been forced to consider scrapping next season's reserve team for financial reasons with a minimum of £10,000 needed to cover costs but McEwan is hoping outside investment can ensure its survival.

McEwan believes the reserves provide a vital bridge between junior and first team, as well as providing a stage for players to recover form or match fitness.

He has called on 20 local businesses to donate £500 each to reach the £10,000 target. Smaller amounts would also be welcome.

Beaumont, who runs a Boroughbridge-based PR company, watched his first City game in 1971 and is now hoping that other local businessmen will follow the example of he and his friend Nicholson.

"I was very disappointed when I heard that the reserves might be scrapped because I believe a good, strong reserve team is crucial to the club's future," Beaumont said. "I have agreed with just about everything the board has done since taking over at the club but that would be one decision I couldn't agree with even though I could understand the financial reasons.

"When I read Billy McEwan in the Press and how starkly he put it, I felt it was realistic that 20 people could donate £500 each, and, as I feel strongly about the subject, it will be money well spent."

Fellow season-ticket holder and freelance journalist Nicholson started following City with Beaumont in 1993 when they were colleagues at the Evening Press.

He shares the sentiments of his former work pal about the importance of the reserves, saying: "The reserve team is the lifeblood and future of the club.

"We have always accepted that we have to produce and sell players as a club and where are the junior lads going to come through to provide the club with future revenue? Only one in a thousand - the likes of Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen - can make the jump from juniors to first team."

City's communications director Sophie McGill confirmed that the board had given notice of intent to withdraw from the Pontins League but have until April 21 to reverse that decision.

McGill added that the board would be happy to review the situation.

She said: "If we feel confident that we can reach the target, then any decision would have to be reassessed. The decision to consider disbanding the reserves was made purely for financial reasons but we would welcome any financial assistance from local businesses."

Any willing sponsors prepared to make a donation should contact the club on 08707 771922.

Updated: 10:40 Friday, March 18, 2005