York City fans are being urged to turn Bootham Crescent into a sea of red on Saturday when the Minstermen will be out to secure top spot.

The City Supporters' Trust have earmarked Saturday's crunch clash with Rushden and Diamonds as a 'Proud to be Red' day, urging fans to wear their City colours with pride.

Trust spokesman Robert Havercroft said: "We encourage all York City supporters attending the Rushden game to wear their colours with pride.

"Following the success of last season's 'Red Day', when the emphasis was on showing support for the club, this weekend's game gives everyone the opportunity to celebrate just how far we have come since the club's uncertain future was announced last December.

"From the fans on the terraces to Terry Dolan, the players and chairman, everyone associated with York City has played their part in lifting the club towards the top of the table.

"To help create a carnival atmosphere it would be great to see everyone wearing the colours of the club.

"Even if fans don't have a replica shirt, scarf or hat, we would ask them to wear something red."

The Trust and City are meanwhile furthering their links with local youth football by providing sponsorship to the Ryedale Junior League for the next two seasons.

Graham Kilby, a Trust board member who also heads City's Youth Development Fund, welcomed the alliance.

He said: "The alliance will help build a better relationship between the club and junior leagues in the region. It is another way to promote the club to youngsters - the future supporters of York City."

The provision of a kit and sponsorship money will be used by the RJL to form a representative side to play against similar teams in the region.

The RJL was formed in 1979 and this is the first time it has had a sponsor. The league consists of 32 under-11 teams playing in three divisions covering an area from Pickering to Selby.

Barry Hood, from the RJL, welcomed the link-up with the Supporters' Trust - who already sponsor City's youth team - and City.

He said: "It's great to be involved with our local professional club and the Supporters' Trust and we hope that we can help build greater support for York City."

As reported in the Evening Press last week, the Trust was today keeping its fingers crossed for a major accolade.

Supporters Direct, the Government funded organisation that helps fans' bodies get up and running, was set to announce its 'Trust of the Season' winner this afternoon.

The City Trust has submitted a sizeable document summarising the first six-months of its existence and detailing the success of the Save City campaign run in conjunction with the Evening Press.

Updated: 12:19 Thursday, September 12, 2002