John Batchelor

Mr Batchelor, who lived in Wilmslow, was in charge at York City for 11 months and from 2002 to 2003, a period which proved to be the most disastrous in the club's 88-year history, with York City FC coming close to extinction.

In his short spell as owner, York City plunged into administration with debts of 1.8m after the 25-year lease on the ground from Bootham Crescent Holdings was torn up. York City were relegated to the Nationwide Conference in May 2004.

The former toilet roll salesman, who had launched his business career at System Hygiene in Cheshire, was a colourful character. He was a former touring car driver and team boss and once changed his name to John Top Gear to win sponsorship backing for his motor racing team.

Later, he became John B&Q to secure further income from the DIY chain.

When he took over the Minstermen in March 2002 he launched a re-branding initiative, introducing a chequered flag into the club's red and white colours and re-naming them York City Soccer Club.

In 2003 he decided to have a half price advance season ticket scheme for the following season, but the 42,500 income from this source was not handed over to the club because of a breach of confidentiality clause in a contract he had signed with the club and York City Supporters Trust.

Mr Batchelor was involved in a deal with Persimmon Homes and Bootham Crescent Holdings to sell the club's Bootham Crescent ground for housing and this led to the Trust having to raise 2.5m to secure ownership again.

In more recent years Mr Batchelor's name has been linked to several clubs, including Mansfield Town in 2008 when he wanted to re-name the club Harchester United, a fictional club whose fortunes were dramatised on Sky TV.