THE working party looking to resurrect York Wasps reckon the supporters and community in general could prove to be the club's "white knight".

Working party member Mike Miller said the ongoing search for sponsorship and need for fundraising by fans was crucial to the future of the club, should they be given the go-ahead to resume playing in the Northern Ford Premiership this season.

Furthermore, the Evening Press believes financial backing could be forthcoming if the Wasps get the go-ahead - but both are dependent on supporters sustaining their efforts to make the club a success, starting with Sunday's vital public meeting for fans (2pm at Huntington Stadium).

Former vice-president Russell Greenfield famously said he hoped a white knight would emerge to save the club after the old board revealed they could not keep it going. But no such person was forthcoming in time to prevent the club being wound up and pulled out of the Rugby Football League.

And, with the working party today set to meet RFL officials before finalising their bid to be readmitted, Miller reckoned the fans and community could together play the role of the white knight.

"The day-to-day running of the club will have to be down to the club and its supporters," he said.

"The emphasis has got to be on the community building it up. People should not rely on some 'white knight' coming in.

"We've got to keep the momentum going. If we can increase support for the club, keep going with fundraising and encourage sponsorship, we can only grow.

"It's a case of keeping everyone motivated to generate income to cover the expenses for this season and beyond."

He added: "We need as many people as possible to go to the meeting on Sunday and we could always do with more pledges."

Cash and pledges can be sent to Hague and Dixon Solicitrs, Bank House, 1 The Square, Stamford Bridge, York, YO41 1AG.

Updated: 11:54 Friday, May 03, 2002