"It would be a tragedy if York were to lose its football club.

"Like the Evening Press, York City is an important part of people's lives in the communities we serve and we are therefore keen to support the search for new owners.

"If a Trust were to be formed we would be happy to consider our involvement.": Daphne Ellis - managing director of York and County Press.

York MP Hugh Bayley:

"York City is important to York and the directors must find a buyer who wants to keep it going. This has come as a shock.

"I never thought City of York Council's inward investment board would have to rescue the club, but perhaps the chairman should talk to them to see if they can help."

City of York Council leader Rod Hills:

"I hope that the good fairy comes in as quickly as possible to save this club because it cannot be allowed to close. It would be a massive loss to the city.

"This is a huge surprise. I know a lot of professional clubs lose money, but I didn't realise it was this desperate."

Greg Stone, who led a fans' pressure group:

"I'm not going to start blaming people. The most important thing is for the fans to unite and get behind some kind of fan take-over bid.

"It is sink or swim, and everyone who wants York City to survive needs to get behind the club now."