The rugby league community has closed ranks this week with an amazing show of solidarity for York Wasps.

Fans of other clubs have been flocking on to the Internet to pass on their heartfelt messages of goodwill to the Wasps.

Some have even pledged money to the Players Fund, simply because they don't want to see a fellow club go under.

Chief executive Ann Garvey has been heartened by the support but made an interesting point at this week's shareholders meeting.

While thanking those York fans who are getting behind the club, she said: "The sad thing is that the majority of support on the website and people putting in money is from away supporters."

Leigh claim they will bring 1,500 supporters to the match at Huntington in March, Gateshead fans are ready to turn out in force, Castleford supporters have hinted they will show up at a few games and followers of the likes of Dewsbury, Widnes and Featherstone are all spreading the word.

One suggestion which seems to have captured the imagination of the Cas fans is for the Wasps to play a game at the Jungle.

It would make great sense for both clubs - York have a healthy smattering of ex-Tigers in their ranks, including coach Lee Crooks, Castleford fans will be desperate for a taste of rugby and it's not far for the York supporters to travel.

It seems that the time is right for the Wasps to capitalise on this show of support by trying a few fund-raising methods.

The messages received suggest RL fans are ready to rally round to help safeguard York Wasps' future - whether they can count on the people of their own city remains to be seen.

A website has now been set up by the Wasps' very own web wizard Spencer Hargrave with all the details about the Players' Fund. Go to

www.waspsnest.com

New beginnings at York this week after the CVA was passed by creditors, shareholders and players alike.

But will the new dawn be with John Stabler and Russell Greenfield at the helm?

Stabler says he will only return if the fans want him back. Though there were a couple of reservations from shareholders at the meeting, the over-riding feeling was that he will be welcomed back.

Everyone is now ready to make a new start and as Stabler said: "We need to draw a line under some of the mistakes I've made before, if people will allow me."

Hopefully they will and everyone can work together to begin what will be a tough re-building process.

York can expect a tough time from ex-Wasp Rich Goddard tomorrow when Sheffield Eagles visit Huntington Stadium.

Goddard is in electric form for the south Yorkshiremen and his goalkicking is pretty good too - his 15 successful attempts have made him the fifth leading goalkicker in the NFP.

He also stands seventh in the point-scorers chart with 34.

Top point-scorer is Featherstone's Jamie Rooney with 73 while Keighley stand-off Martin Wood is the leading goalkicker with 34.

Injured Wasp Spencer Hargrave is asking for help in tracking down a much sought after video.

He is trying to get hold of a copy of the 1969/70 Challenge Cup final between Castleford and Wigan.

Spencer's father played in the match, coming on at half-time for the injured Alan Hardisty to become the first ever RL substitute at Wembley.

If anyone can help, contact Pete Martini on the Evening Press sportsdesk and we'll pass the details on to Spencer.

Talking of Spencer, he is hoping to be back in action in three to four weeks after having the pot and wires removed from his broken thumb.

In case any readers of the Wasps match factfile in the Evening Press were thinking there were no supporters at Dewsbury last week, I must apologise.

Gremlins got into the system which meant the attendance was accidentally omitted. It should have said 1,200.

SMITH'S EXIT CLEARS THE WAY

Michael Smith's departure has left the way open for the rest of the team to challenge for leadership of the Evening Press/Guildford Construction Player of the Year award.

Smith earned another three points for his man of the match performance against Dewsbury last week to take him five points clear of nearest rival Paddy Handley.

But he is unlikely to hang on to that lead for long now that he has sadly opted to leave the club.

Gareth Stephens goes straight on to the leaderboard after his Wasps debut last week.

Scrum-half Stephens was constantly probing for a way through the Rams defence but didn't have the support to have much effect.

Still, he couldn't be faulted for effort and earns two points as the second best player in the match.

Young Chris Allen was another hard worker in the unfamiliar loose forward role and often the player most likely to penetrate the defence. He picks up the final point on offer.

The top player in each game is awarded three points, the second best player two points and the third best one point. The winner at the end of the season will win the £350 first prize with the runner-up getting £150, courtesy of sponsors Guildford Construction.

Points so far: Michael Smith 10, Paddy Handley 5, Craig Forsyth 4, Alan Pallister 4, Darren Hughes 2, Craig Moore 2, Gareth Lloyd 2, Jamie Benn 2, Gareth Stephens 2, Chris Allen 2, Leroy McKenzie 1.

PALLY'S TESTIMONIAL IS READY TO ROLL

As supporters begin to dig deep for the newly formed Players' Fund, don't forget to save a few quid for one player who deserves it more than most - Alan Pallister.

Pally is currently in his testimonial season having stuck with the Wasps through thick and thin over the last ten years.

Reaching the milestone is rare in sport these days, especially at York where times have been incredibly tough in recent years.

So the Wasps captain deserves an extra special mention for his achievement, and hopefully the fans will get behind him to ensure he gets the reward he deserves.

On the surface it has been a quiet testimonial so far, but there has been plenty of hard work and planning going on behind the scenes.

We can now announce that the fund-raising gets underway next month with a a disco and buffet to be held at Clifton Park.

This will effectively be the launch of Pally's testimonial and promises to be a fantastic night. It takes place on Wednesday, February 2, and tickets cost £12.

That will be followed on Friday, February 23 with one for the ladies.

A Ladies Night, which includes a male entertainer, disco and buffet, will take place at Clarence Gardens (7.30-11.30pm).

This one seems to be proving very popular, can't imagine why, and only a few tickets, priced £7.50, remain.

Events will continue over the coming months with a cabaret and karaoke night in March, race night in April, and a golf event, cricket and barbecue, plus a dinner and auction later in the year. Pig racing is yet to be confirmed

Details of all these events will appear nearer the time, and a brochure will be available next month.

Tickets and full details of the testimonial are available from Ann Wright on 07808 030544.