Failure not an option

Fresh from the arrival of winger Lee Crook on loan from Watford, Batchelor has not ruled out more signings should manager Terry Dolan want an injection of fresh blood.

Despite City slipping to ninth in the table following two straight defeats and just one win in six outings, Batchelor is confident City will achieve promotion this season.

"We will do what we have to do to get promoted, whatever that means," he insisted.

"We will make it happen and we will give the team whatever weapons they need in their armoury to do it.

"We are focused and failure is not an option for this club."

The City supremo, who maintains the club will remain financially prudent, has revealed a telling insight into the new atmosphere surrounding the Minstermen.

Batchelor confirmed he was now holding regular meetings with the players to help keep them informed of his plans for the club, to hear their ideas and concerns and help foster a united front

"We all sat down together to decide how we can move the club forward and really keep our foot on the throttle between now and the end of the season," explained the City chief.

"It wasn't a showdown, we want feedback from the players as to how we can help.

"We don't need to do it every day but it is all about building a team spirit throughout the whole club. Weirdly enough, the people I speak to least are the players."

Batchelor was adamant he was not using the meetings to put forward his own views on tactics or team selections.

"Apart from anything else, I'm not football literate enough to make any difference like that - that is why Terry, Luther and Adie are here.

"It is all about team building and making sure everyone knows we are heading in the same direction and all pulling the same way."

Batchelor added: "What we have to do at this club is we have to want it more than any other club.

"In 1999, I won the British Super Road Saloon Car Championship. It had never been won by anyone in their first year of competition before.

"I didn't have the best car and I certainly wasn't the best driver.

"The only reason that I won it was because I really, really wanted it. I was very aggressive on the track and it was a 'win at all costs' mentality that made it happen.

"I know our players understand that and I know that they want it more than anybody else as well."

Meanwhile, Lincoln City and York City have agreed a reduced admission price for their LDV Vans Trophy clash later this month.

The first round tie, scheduled for Tuesday, October 22, at Sincil Bank (kick-off 7.45pm) will cost £8 for adults and £2 for concessions.

An Executive Club option is also on offer with prices at £12 (£8 concessions).

City will be running a Travel Club coach to the game and seats are priced £11.50 for members and £14.50 for non-members.

For further details, telephone 0870 777 1922 extension 4, or call in at the club shop at Bootham Crescent.

Updated: 12:02 Thursday, October 03, 2002