IT was sad to hear this week that City's communications manager, James Richardson, is leaving Bootham Crescent after today's game with Swansea City.

Lifelong fan Richardson has been with City for almost eight years but amid all the uncertainty surrounding the club he has made the decision to seek a career change.

He will take up a new role with Wallis Business Services on Monday.

"It's been one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make but everyone needs security for their future," he explained.

"I have always wanted to stick it out but when the problems of the club resurfaced in early December, I decided to make the move."

Not that City will have seen the last of Richardson, who over the years has raised hundreds of pounds for local charities and City's youth development fund through his long-distance running.

"I have been a fan since the age of 11 and will continue to support the team home and away. I sincerely hope that Terry Dolan and this set of players get the chance to fulfil the potential they have shown since the start of this season.

"I have told the officials at the club I will always be available to help out where possible and want to have an active part in the future of York City in some way or another."

Updated: 12:03 Saturday, January 18, 2003