I write having read your article on the decision of the York City FC board to move the scheduled Boxing Day match against Halifax forward to the last Saturday before Christmas.

While appreciating the pounds, shillings and pence of the decision, I also feel that this may be an own goal for the often labelled community club'.

The last Saturday before Christmas - traditionally poor for attendances as Christmas preparations are made - will see a significantly lower attendance than three days later.

With all the presents opened, only crumbs of the pudding left on the plate, an opportunity for all those who have come back home to York for the festivities to join their York-based friends and family to make a pilgrimage to Bootham Crescent, and avoid the dreaded repeats on TV for a community event like a Boxing Day local derby, will be lost.

Yes, the gate receipts of the extra crowd may not cover the additional policing costs, but what will the board be suggesting if results take a downturn and attendances drop by a hundred per home game? Kick off at noon on a Saturday to avoid floodlight costs? Charging 10p to pay a visit at half time? Extreme maybe, and hopefully unlikely.

Anybody want an opportunity for some high-profile publicity? A suggestion - sponsorship of the extra public holiday Police costs. What a unique advertising opportunity to help keep the tradition of Boxing Day football alive?

Could the board turn down such an offer?

Martin Poole, Ashley Park Road, Stockton Lane, York.