Representatives of the 'Kick It Out' campaign are heading for York with a gentle touch to force a change of heart at Bootham Crescent.

York City has come under fire in the past after refusing to sign up to the national 'Kick It Out' initiative, which is aimed at removing racism from football.

City chairman Scottish-born Douglas Craig, himself subject to racist abuse in recent weeks, has always maintained the problem was dealt with when it arose at Bootham Crescent.

Piara Powar, spokesman for the anti-racism campaign, revealed that while they would be in York within the next three weeks it would be the City of York Council and the North Riding FA that they will be holding discussions with.

"We are due in York fairly soon, but to talk with the council and local FA and we are hoping that through that we can have some influence on what is happening with York City," he said.

"York City have never signed up and almost symbolically stood out on their own on this issue, but we will not be trying to force their hand.

"The way we work now is pro-actively. There are plenty of clubs who have signed up but what we need to do is ensure that the work is being done."

Fans pressure group FACT (Fans Against Craig's Tyranny) threw the spotlight back on the problem after their delegates had attended the Supporters Direct Initiative Conference in London recently.

"At the conference representatives of 'Kick It Out' and the Football Trust expressed their concern at the club's refusal to back the initiative," said FACT spokesman Greg Stone.

"It was embarrassing to be singled out as the only club not to sign up to this campaign, and we call upon City chairman Douglas Craig to sign up immediately as a gesture of good faith."

However Powar stressed that 'Kick It Out' were not about to become heavy handed with City or the club chairman.

"FACT fans have every right to be embarrassed and I hope they look to encourage other supporters to take an interest in the campaign," said Powar.

"But if what we are trying to do is to be effective then we need to see anti-racist measures being taken, whether York City have signed up or not is neither here nor there if they are doing some work."

City's public relations executive, Sophie McGill, today said the club did agree with the principles of 'Kick It Out', but believed the scheme was "flawed".

She said: "This is a family club with a family atmosphere and of course we want to encourage every element of the community to feel a part.

"We do our very best to make sure people from ethnic minorities feel comfortable at York City and it is not an intimidating place.

"But the scheme is flawed and we feel it is better to deal with racism as it arises rather than just to sign up to this campaign and then do nothing.

"A lot of clubs have signed up but then do nothing to enforce it or promote football within the ethnic minorities. When a problem arises at York City it is dealt with."

Ryedale MP John Greenway, who has been made shadow minister for sport and is City's president, backed the club's stance.

"It has always been the club's view that we should take action when the problem presents itself," said Greenway.

"I have been to other grounds this season and heard racist chanting from time to time, but we don't get that at York."

Skinner stakes his claim

Craig Skinner is hammering on the door for a first team recall at Sixfields Stadium on Saturday.

The 29-year-old winger bagged both goals as York City's reserve team notched a 2-1 win over Wrexham at Bootham Crescent last night and his form has impressed manager Neil Thompson.

"Craig got both goals and he looked sharp and showed real quality, particularly in front of goal," enthused Thompson.

"It was easily his best game since he has come back, both from a playing point of view and with his fitness levels."

With City crying out for some width in their team Skinner, sidelined after needing surgery on a knee injury, will be hoping he has done enough for a first team start against Northampton Town on Saturday.

Since returning from injury Skinner has been on the bench four times but only took the field in the 2-2 home draw with Torquay United and was not used in the clashes with Darlington, Rochdale and Barnet.

Kevin Hulme also returned to action last night after six weeks out following an operation to correct a groin problem, with the battling midfielder featuring for the final 25 minutes without suffering any adverse reaction.

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