York Wasps chairman John Stabler has taken a swipe at the rest of the Northern Ford Premiership for taking advantage of York's plight.

York's squad has gradually been decimated during the course of the season with all their top players moving elsewhere, mainly due to the money factor.

Virtually none of the team which started the season are now left following the departures this week of Gareth Dobson and Craig Forsyth to Sheffield and Doncaster respectively.

It has prompted Stabler to hit out at the actions of the Wasps' fellow NFP sides for what he calls the "rape" of the club.

He said: "I went to an NFP meeting ten days ago and asked that if any of the clubs had any spare players could we have them. Instead of that, we have gone down from seven professionals to three.

"I'm disappointed with a lot of things, in particularly the attitude of the NFP. I went with a plea for help and instead we've been raped. I'm particularly disgusted with them at the moment."

On the brighter side, Stabler is hoping Super League will come to York's aid.

"I had a word with Greg McCallum (RFL executive director of rugby) saying we were in a bit of a plight. He sent a letter to Super League clubs asking if they could help us out.

"I had an immediate response from Halifax Blue Sox and they might have a couple of players for us. I'm still waiting to hear from the others if they can help."

Stabler also revealed that York had been in the running to sign full-back Lee Maher from Keighley.

Maher attended a recent Wasps match but has now opted to re-sign for his former club Doncaster Dragons.

Stabler added: "We were desperately keen to get him to come but Doncaster offered him £250 a match which we couldn't compete with."

The Wasps yesterday made their first professional swoop in months, signing former Hull FC and Hunslet loose forward Rob Roberts.

Updated: 10:01 Thursday, April 12, 2001