THE York City Knights' kitman is appealing for a kind-hearted fan to help him make their crucial promotion match on Sunday.

Steve Harris, the team's equipment manager, needs someone to drive his minibus taxi tomorrow evening after he found himself double-booked.

Steve, 36, set up Anytime Travel last December and usually organises his jobs around the season schedule, but Saturday's booking was made a few months ago before he knew the Knights would be in the LHF Healthplan National League Two Grand Final at Widnes.

For big matches such as this, the team always travel over the night before.

Steve has tried to get another firm to cover the job, but they are fully booked because of York Races, and two people who sometimes work for him are already busy.

"I took a gamble that they would get automatic promotion," he said. "I will not miss the game, but I won't be able to travel over with the team unless I can find a volunteer."

Steve needs someone who is over 25, who has a D or D1 driving licence and is free to work between 5pm and midnight tomorrow. They will be paid for the job.

He also has a booking to take a group of fans to the Holton Stadium, at Widnes, on Sunday. If a volunteer can be found, they will need to be free from 9.30am. They would also be paid and receive a free ticket to the match.

The play-off is the biggest match York City Knights have faced since the team was created two years ago.

Steve, who was kitman for York Wasps for eight season before the Knights, is responsible for ensuring the team has everything they need - from clothes to drinks, and ice to boot studs. "You are really a general dogsbody," he said.

If you can you help, phone Steve on 07717 753314.

Updated: 10:12 Friday, October 08, 2004