IT may have been one hell of a struggle for York City over the past 15 months, but the hard work is only just beginning after fans' power finally took control of the Minstermen.

What has seem like an age for fans, players and the staff at the club, was finally brought to an end today at an historic creditors meeting where the Supporters' Trust overcame the last obstacle, put in place by the taxman, blocking the Company Voluntary Arrangement they needed passed to complete the take-over.

The agreement with the Inland Revenue to effectively pay 63 pence in the pound for the debts owed to the Crown - a deal that was finally confirmed this morning - meant the CVA was unanimously passed at today's creditors' meeting.

And with the Football League indicating they are ready to ratify the deal as the preferential creditor, the Inland Revenue, had been satisfied and transfer the FL share to the new company on April 22 -- although that date could be even sooner - City can start looking towards a brighter future.

However, new York City director Steve Beck, one of the mainstays in the seeing the Trust complete the deal, knows that this is only the start of the battle for the club.

"It has been a long hard road to get this far," he told the Evening Press. "It is strange, as I have been putting together a CD compilation over the last few months with songs during this time and when you listen to the words they really mean something.

"There is one in particular... Coldplay's The Scientist. It goes: 'Nobody said it was easy, no one ever said it would be this hard' - it is a classic line that rings true.

"We are all so pleased that we have got to this stage, but to be honest, now the hard work starts. We have only just got to the start-line and the race begins now.

"I can't applaud the staff and the players enough for the way they have pulled together over this time, everyone has really gelled together."

The Trust were likely to complete the signing of the sale agreement early this afternoon, meaning Saturday's home game against Southend one of celebration.

Events have been planned to mark the historic new chapter in the Minstermen's existence, with the Trust hoping to see the people of York descend on Bootham Crescent in their droves.

"We want to see as many people here as possible to get behind the players and the staff," said Beck. "We've different things planned to mark the occasion and it will be good day, hopefully toppled off with three points.

"Effectively the more people we get in, the more money there will be for the club,

"We are not looking at making profits, we are looking at breaking even, with any surplus money being used by the club."

Beck, along with Trust member Paul Rawnsley, met with the Football League yesterday at their Preston headquarters were the meeting went very well.

Sources have indicated that the League were impressed with the Trust's endeavours since the club went into administration, as well as they way they have secured a ten-year lease at Huntington Stadium.

The plans are for the Football League share to be transferred to the new York City company on April 22, the League's next board meeting.

However, Beck confirmed that meeting could be brought forward to place the final piece in the jigsaw of what has been a long, complicated deal.

"It will go before the Football League at their next board meeting on April 22, but they may be able to ratify it before then," added Beck. "It all depends on getting the right people together, but I think something can be organised. I can't see them keeping us hanging on."

Updated: 11:14 Thursday, March 27, 2003