YORK City manager Steve Watson has hailed the fans that have donated to the fundraiser which is raising money to support the club's recruitment budget.

The York City Football Club Vice Presidents Assocation has been raising money to support Watson's "player recruitment and team development" amid the coronavirus pandemic, which has seen York out of action since early March.

The club, who are set to return to action in the Vanarama National League North play-offs behind-closed-doors next month, said last week that the play-offs may cost them between £120,000 and £150,000 while in May they estimated they have lost upwards of £250,000 due to the crisis.

The fundraiser was launched in early May and since surpassed its £10,000 target. The fundraiser closes on tomorrow and, at present, almost £13,000 has been raised.

"On behalf of myself and the coaching staff, I wanted to take the time to say a heartfelt 'Thank you' to everyone who has donated to the Vice Presidents crowdfunding page so far," Watson told the club's website.

“While I’m currently focusing on the upcoming play-offs, of course I have one eye on next season as well and this fund will really make a difference to my team development and player recruitment budget.

“We’re especially grateful for this additional fund, because of the financial impact Covid-19 has had on the club.

"Thank you to everyone who has donated, the page will be open until 26th June and every future donation is gratefully received."

Elsewhere, the club's petition, which has called for the National League to promote two clubs should the play-offs not go ahead has, at the time of writing, received over 2,400 signatures having been launched late last week.