THE Evening Press can today detail the York City Knights' club structure that they believe will set them on the road to success.

And, just as club chiefs promised when the plan to form a new club was first revealed, it is a supporter-led, community-based configuration.

Fans of York Rugby League have taken on key roles within the club and within each of its money-making arms, and there is a seamless gap between the so-called boardroom and the terraces.

Indeed, the club has no plc-style structure - apart from the necessary compliance with league regulations, in which John Guildford is the majority shareholder - and there is no board of directors as such, but rather fans of York rugby league all working together.

The supporters' trust, which has played a major part in rejuvenating professional rugby league in the city, will continue to play a major role in the club in a money-making capacity, and as such has been renamed the supporters' fund-raising committee. The long-standing York RL Supporters' Club, meanwhile, will remain independent, as it always has been, but will continue to play its part in raising money for the rugby club.

Each arm of the fund-raising committee has its own individual financial target, and together they are aiming to surpass the £250,000 mark that the club believes will provide the necessary foundation for success.

Chief executive Steve Ferres - who has top-level professional rugby league experience and who will front the club - was quick to praise the 'white knights' whose time and effort has helped get the outfit up and running.

"It's been a pleasure to meet everybody and to work with the people I've worked with at York," he said.

"Most clubs make the mistake of not utilising what they've got out there, supporters whose skills and whose enthusiasm are very valuable. But we've given the opportunity for people to come forward because it's their club just as much as anybody else's.

"We've got some very able people here at York and these are people we've got to use because they are very talented and very valuable.

"I've been involved in a few clubs and already I can see there are more people involved in this club, and that's what delights me and makes me believe we can make it work."

Ros Buckley, the club's public relations officer, said: "This is still very much a 'work-in-progress' organisation chart, with roles being assigned as people come on board and, obviously, there is always scope for people to get involved in whatever capacity."

One such role could be in marketing, in a position vacated by Laureen Hughes, who has not been able to devote the amount of time initially envisaged.

Buckley, who will take on that role for the time-being, added: "Anyone who wants to get involved in any capacity is more than welcome. There are still people and positions which can be added to the structure.

"We don't want to alienate anybody. It's not a clique or select band of people. Anyone can help or join us at any time."

peter.martini@ycp.co.uk

Updated: 12:29 Saturday, October 05, 2002