93 black balloons

Half-time statement from the Friends of Bootham Crescent

Good evening. We are the Friends of Bootham Crescent. As you might have been aware, we were originally planning to hold a demonstration after tonight's game to voice our opposition to the Persimmon Homes planning application to build 93 houses on this ground, backed by Bootham Crescent Holdings.

We were informed by the club that a demonstration after the match might incur further costs in the way of extra policing - and that's obviously the last thing the club needs right now. We're delighted that we have been allowed to make our protest right here on the hallowed turf of the very ground that is threatened with development.

Before we start, we would like to welcome the Swansea fans who've made the long trip to be here tonight. We know you've have recently had your own problems with Petty and wish to congratulate your supporter's trust on the marvellous work they have done on behalf of the supporters. We hope you know how we're feeling right now! It would appear that the FA no longer care about the Swanseas, Brightons, Carlisles, Yorks or AFC Wimbledons, but we the fans do and if we stick together we can win! We welcome you to OUR ground Bootham Crescent.

In a few moments, we are going to release 93 black balloons into the air - one for each of the houses Persimmon Homes are planning to build on the very ground we're standing on. To help us do so, we'd like to welcome some very special guests onto the pitch - part of that fantastic 70s side that played in the same division as Manchester United - please welcome Chris Topping.

This ground should be our ground, it should belong to the club - and until recently, it did. As we all sadly know, that is no longer the case. Bootham Crescent Holdings own this ground and the football club are only its tenants. Douglas Craig claimed when setting up the holding company in 1999 that he was doing so to safeguard the future of the club. Now BCH wants to evict us and allow homes to be put in our place.

Bootham Crescent is not just a ground, it's a history of our club, good and bad. The Longhurst Stand is a living tribute, made by fans to the memory of David Longhurst, who so tragically died on this pitch you see before you whilst playing against Lincoln City. The clock on the Popular Stand was erected by fans donations in memory of a lifelong City fan; fans ashes have been scattered on this ground. Every club the length and breadth of this country have their memories; bitter and sweet. Bootham Crescent has more than its fair share. Its seen a York side reach the semi-finals of the FA Cup in 1955; it's seen us beat the mighty Arsenal on a freezing day back in '85; finish the job against Man United in '95 and totally demolish Everton the following year. And of course, it's seen Chris Topping play in one of the best York sides ever to grace this pitch - along, of course, with BCH Director Barry Swallow.

To sell this ground for personal profit is to disrespect the memory of every player who has played here and every fan who has stood on these terraces. But now is not the time to mourn the passing of Bootham Crescent because we can and will win, now is a time to let the voices of true fans be heard loud and proud. I'm gonna ask Chris etc. to release the first balloon and as I do, please join us in a minutes outrage, shout it from the roof tops, scream your lungs out people, the fans united will never be defeated!!!

It may well that be that some of the majority shareholders of Bootham Crescent Holdings are here this evening. Well, the Friends of Bootham Crescent has a suggestion for them. If they are interested in safeguarding the future of our club, there is something they can do: something that will rehabilitate their reputation amongst fans, end all worries about the club becoming homeless and give the club a major financial asset that would help alleviate our financial worries. Tonight, we call on the four majority shareholders of Bootham Crescent Holdings to sell their shares BACK TO THE CLUB at exactly the value they paid for them. We call on them to show that they are true custodians. CRAIG, SWALLOW, QUICKFALL AND WEBB - show us you care about York City and GIVE US BACK OUR GROUND! This is a serious proposal and we expect a genuine response.

To those of you who feel we should give up the fight and move elsewhere, remember that right now, there are no other concrete proposals on the table and in any case, the fight for this ground is far from over. The Persimmon application is in our opinion very weak and should be vehemently opposed. If you haven't already done so, express your opposition in writing to the Council. Let them know that we are not lying down and letting our ground go without a fight.

We know these are very difficult times for the club and we urge every single one of you to get behind the Trust, get behind the club and get behind the team. Show the lads in the second half what York City means to us. Show the Directors of BCH what this ground means to us. Douglas Craig said back in January: 'If nobody wants the thing, we'll cash it in'. Well, guess what? We want the ground, so don't cash it in - Give It Back.

Another big hand for Chris Topping, for showing us what it means to be a true servant of the club. Thanks for listening and let's make some noise!