KEY moves have been made by the Save City Working Party in their attempts to ensure the survival of York City Football Club.

Representatives from the committee met with Douglas Craig and the directors of Bootham Crescent Holdings to discuss the future of the club and how the soon-to-be-formed Supporters' Trust can work with the board towards securing the continuation of professional football in the city of York.

Said working party spokesperson Sophie McGill: "Talks with the directors of Bootham Crescent Holdings were very positive.

"Douglas Craig and the directors were co-operative and expressed their desire to work with the Supporters' Trust to find an optimum solution."

She added: "We believe the directors accepted the working party as a credible group representative of all true City supporters and were keen to reassure us that they share the same desire for York City to continue as a professional football club."

Talks will continue between the working party and the board of BCH, while both parties are also currently involved in discussions with several potential investors.

Meanwhile, forward-thinking fans have come up with a wealth of fund-raising ideas.

Director Josh Easby, the only member of the City board who is not a member of Bootham Crescent Holdings Ltd, challenged fans to concentrate on ways to saving the club rather than protesting. He said: "I'm delighted with the response and want to thank the Evening Press for publicising the appeal."

A selection of fans' ideas will be published in Saturday's Evening Press.

Meanwhile, the working party of the Save City Committee have announced that any money they collect will be donated to appropriate local charities should a York City Supporters' Trust be unable to invest financially in the football club.

Noon today was the final deadline for parties interested in buying York City.

City of York Council held a private meeting with representatives of local business and the Evening Press, sponsors of the football club last night to discuss the current situation at Bootham Crescent.

The Evening Press will be publishing a special colour supplement next Friday for the following day's FA Cup fourth round tie against Fulham at Bootham Crescent.

Updated: 11:32 Thursday, January 17, 2002