ADMINISTRATORS working to safeguard the future of York City are confident the club can still be saved, writes Dave Stanford.

"We remain optimistic and everything seems to be moving in the right direction," said David Willis, of insolvency experts Jackson Jolliffe Cork.

Willis confirmed just one firm offer for the troubled club had been received but said he was confident a second bid still pending would soon become reality.

With the Supporters' Trust also poised to submit their own take-over bid, Willis said he was still hopeful a third mystery bidder, as suggested in Saturday's Evening Press, could come forward.

"The second bid are still putting their offer together. There are a few bits and pieces they have to sort out before they can submit a bid," he explained.

"They want to do a lot of groundwork first before submitting a bid, rather than submit a bid then do the groundwork."

He added: "We have one firm bid on the table, the Trust have also made their announcement and there is also still this third party.

"We have not heard from them directly but are aware they have been in touch with a number of connected parties so it appears they are working towards putting in an offer."

Willis said there had been no fresh developments regarding the on-off transfer saga involving Alan Fettis and Hull City.

As reported in the Evening Press, the proposed switch hit an impasse yesterday with City reluctant to let the goalkeeper move without a replacement in place.

Hull are believed to be still anxious to conclude a deal but the clubs dispute whether Fettis, should he sign for the Tigers, be able to play in Saturday's Division Three derby duel between the two sides.

Willis confirmed talks had been held with Hull's chief executive Adam Pearson over a possible move.

"But no deal has yet been done and as yet we have still not been served notice of termination of contract," said Willis.

Although Fettis is technically a free agent, players are supposed to give 14 days notice of their intention to leave.

City reserves are in action against Hull tonight in a rearranged Avon Insurance League Cup match. The game is being staged at the Tigers old stadium, Boothferry Park, kick-off 7pm.

Reserve squad: Collinson, Wise, Smith, Jones, Okoli, Fox, Wood, O'Kane, Wilding, Baynes, Mathie, Stewart, McKenzie, Yalcin, Stockdale, Law Coad.

Updated: 13:22 Wednesday, January 22, 2003