A NEW wave of optimism is sweeping through Huntington Stadium following the startling news that New York Economic Development Council are York Wasps' new main sponsors.

As reported in yesterday's Evening Press, NYEDC are one of 20 associate backers found by the Wasps - others include worldwide companies Samsung and Gillette - while the new head coach has been unveiled as upcoming Aussie Leo Epifania.

And at a meeting put on for supporters last night, more than four times the normal turnout piled into the stadium bar to hear the stunning news first hand.

An estimated 130 fans - such meetings usually attract only 20 or 30 - welcomed the announcements with both amazement and delight, while players Alan Pallister and Darren Crake were similarly stunned.

"It's the best news I've heard since I've been at the club," said team captain Pallister, who has been a Wasp for ten seasons and is currently in his testimonial year.

"I was very surprised at first but I know they (the directors) have been working hard behind the scenes."

"None of us knew anything about it," added Crake, the players also having been kept in the dark about the news as the directors remained tight-lipped prior to yesterday's press conference.

"I'm amazed at how they've managed to do it. It's great news for the supporters and the players. I'm looking forward to pre-season and getting stuck back in.

"It has generated a lot of interest and hopefully it will see more people on the terraces come the start of the season, though at the end of the day we've still got to win."

As for Epifania, he added: "I'm looking forward to seeing what he's like. We don't know anything about him but I've heard he's a fitness fanatic - as reported in the Evening Press - which is something I for one like, and apparently he's come on high recommendation."

Pallister added: "We'll be ringing a few contacts in Australia to find out about him."

Long-standing fan David Garlick, 63, said: "I was amazed with it all really. Just to get the club into the black was a hell of an achievement. If all this comes off it will be wonderful.

"Sponsorship has proved very difficult to get over the years so they've done an amazing job.

"I'm now hoping we can finish in the top three or four and having heard what's been said I don't see why we won't be able to compete."

He added: "Hopefully the fans will start coming back, though there's certainly a new buzz around the place which is something that has been missing for a while."

Supporters club member Ann Wright said: "It's great to go from none to 20 sponsors and it seems the club also want local companies to get involved so it's good that people will get the chance to jump on the bandwagon.

"We were worried that the news would get put back and back but it's all happening and it sounds positive. We now need to have a good season on the pitch."

Chairman John Stabler could not believe the number of supporters who turned up to greet the news.

"I was expecting 20 or 30 and I was really gob-smacked when this many turned out. Everybody was startled with the names we've got on board - just like me really. There weren't that many questions asked; I think everybody was just stunned.

"The reaction has been excellent. Some people have asked, 'what about the new players who are coming,' but I just said, 'there's more good news to follow'."

He added: "There has never been even half this many at such a meeting before - it seems we've started a buzz."

Updated: 11:31 Wednesday, September 19, 2001