THE man fronting the consortium that has acquired York City Knights and secured their future has called on the city to get behind the team, saying it is a great opportunity to build a “special club”.

The takeover was officially announced just after 10.30pm on Thursday – at the end of what had been termed D-Day for the club after the sport’s governing body, the Rugby Football League, had declared it a target date for the deal to go through.

There is yet to be confirmation the team can play at Bootham Crescent as part of City of York Council’s community stadium scheme, but it is to be discussed at Wednesday’s meeting of the council executive. The club have nevertheless been reinstated by the RFL into Kingstone Press League One for the 2017 season, which starts in February.

Sports management consultant Jon Flatman, who is heading up the consortium, said: “The opportunity is here now for players, sponsors, partners, fans, and the city as a whole, to build a special, vibrant rugby league club.

“It’s an opportunity for the supporters - those currently attending and those who have attended in the past - to all become engaged in a fresh start and help build an exciting new future. James Ford (head coach), the players and the history of the club all deserve it.

“We will get some things wrong going forward but we will get a lot of things right and we believe it’s an exciting time for the city.”

There had been fears the takeover had stalled but then a joint statement was made by outgoing owner John Guildford and Mr Flatman, confirming the deal was complete.

Flatman would not confirm speculation that Featherstone Rovers chairman Mark Campbell is the main backer behind the scenes, or who else is in the consortium. He explained: “That (naming the backers) is something we are discussing internally. But everybody wants the best for York City Knights.”

On playing at Bootham Crescent, he said: “Positive discussions have been held with the council over the last two months and I would hope for a favourable decision.”