York City Supporters' Trust have planned a day of celebration to mark tomorrow's historic home clash with Southend United (3pm).

The game will first since the Trust completed their monumental take-over of the Minstermen on Wednesday - and the fans' body is inviting all to come down to join in the party atmosphere.

The visit of Southend will be when the Trust finally bares the fruits of 15 months hard labour and emphasis will be on supporters making the most of a day to remember

From visual changes at the ground to the whole match-day experience, as well as the vitally important matter of seeing the Minstermen attempt to continue their promotion push, the Trust will attempt to make the Bootham Crescent the place to be - not just tomorrow, but every home game.

Fans are being invited to join in a celebration march. They are meeting from 1.30pm at the south door of the Minster and will depart at 1.45pm.

The march, which will be accompanied by music, banners, singing and chanting, will go past the Theatre Royal, along Bootham down Bootham Crescent, arriving at the ground at 2.15pm.

"We are planning a day of celebration as it will be the start of a new era for the club," said Trust board member Kirsten Gillies. "We are welcoming everyone to come along and join in what will be a historic day for all to remember."

The changes fans will see around Bootham Crescent will start at the famous old gates, with the much maligned 'hands' installed by ex-chairman John Batchelor removed. The Trust are hoping to have their banner pinned up in its place.

Another of Batchelor's changes, the modification of the City's name to a 'Soccer Club' will be replaced - much to the delight of the Minstermen faithful - with the sign on the wall by the ticket office set be temporarily repainted to read 'York City FOOTBALL Club'.

The Trust balloons will also be highly visible around the outside of the ground, while children attending the match will be handed a balloon.

Inside the ground, Yorkie will lead a band of helpers around the pitch, handing out sweets in a symbolic gesture of giving a little back to the fans who have given so much.

The players will also join in, by going around the stadium before kick-off applauding and shaking hands with the fans.

With the Trust set to address what is hoped to be a packed Bootham Crescent, to confirm that the club is now in safe hands, but the fight is now only just beginning, fans will be put into the picture of what has happened in recent weeks.

Included will be a speech to the fans, not only by the new board of the club, but by City legends Tony Canham and Derek Hood.

Backing the Trust will be Canham and Hood, who will also address the crowd. Canham, one of the Wembley heroes and best wingers in City's history. Hood was a member of the 1984 Division Four championship-winning side.

Even the match-day music will have a special feel, with specially chosen tracks to make the most of the atmosphere.

The fun doesn't stop at the final whistle either, with the Social Club set to show England's game against Liechtenstein of a 50cm plasma screen. That match will kick-off at 5.30pm.

Fans who buy an Evening Press at the club shop tomorrow will receive a free Yorkie bar.

Updated: 11:36 Friday, March 28, 2003