YORK City chairman Douglas Craig today stood defiant over the shock revelation that football may be over at Bootham Crescent in five month's time, writes Dave Stanford.

He rounded on the claim of 'moral guardianship' - that the directors merely look after the club's assets for future generations.

"Since when did the moral guardians of the club and the community be entitled to sit and take abuse, vilification and vandalism and continue to hold the role?"

If the ground is sold and new owners of the club are found, the board of Bootham Crescent Holdings have undertaken to pay off the club's overdraft and/or any bridging loan.

They have also announced they intend to donate a figure of around £400,000 to helping cover the costs of improving Huntington Stadium should a relocation take place - providing a Supporters' Trust has a significant holding in the new ownership.

Craig added: "The money that is surplus will remain with the shareholders of Bootham Crescent Holdings, if any."

The City chairman also said he intended to be at Saturday's home game with Torquay United.

He said: "Why shouldn't I be?

"The implications are people might be shouting abuse at me.

"If they are so serious about saving the club then they better get down there and support the team.

"They are getting what they have wanted and shouted for over the years - getting shot of me and the board.

"They are looking for problems when they should be looking for solutions."

Updated: 15:51 Wednesday, January 09, 2002