by Peter Martini

THE fans' public meeting at Huntington Stadium tomorrow could be the most significant yet in the supporters' bid to get York Wasps back in the Rugby Football League.

That was the message from fans' leader Gary Hall, who said this meeting (2pm) could affect not only the plans to return to the league this season but also a back-up strategy to fight for re-admittance next year should the initial attempt fail.

The Evening Press believes there are complications in the bid to get back into the league this season. However, the working party hope to be able to put the fans in the picture as much as possible tomorrow.

"This meeting could be the most important we've held," said Hall.

"It's crucial for getting York back into the league. We need fans there to prove they are behind us. It's also vital for any prospective sponsors to know the supporters are still there.

"I would like to see a similar turn-out as at the first meeting, when about 450 attended."

Hall said the meeting would also see sub-committees formed to work on fund-raising, sponsorship, helping with WaspAid 2002 and with the York Golden Jubilee RL Festival, the organisers of which have promised to hand over profits to the Wasps.

He also stated it was vital the fans continued to pull in the same direction, saying: "Dis-cussions will be held between supporters to establish which way to move forward together."

He added: "If the bid fails, it won't be a case of giving up. We will continue for next year.

"In fact, it would strengthen my resolve to work harder to make sure we get into the league next season on a stronger financial footing than we would have had this season."

As reported in the Press, the working party were hoping to hold talks with RFL officials before tomorrow's meeting and be able to relay the situation to the fans, say what options were open and seek approval from the supporters to go forward.

Any initial bid needs to be endorsed by the RFL by May 10 for the club to resume playing this season, on June 2.

"We've gone as far as we can without the fans' consent," said working party member Mike Miller. "We have to ensure they aren't left hanging on a line."

Updated: 10:42 Saturday, May 04, 2002