THE boss of York City Knights says he believes the new stadium will be a success for all as long as all the parties "invest in the process" as well as "benefit from the outcome".

Writing in the programme for Sunday's match, Jon Flatman said planning for the stadium was the focus of his attention, and he had been working, along with others, "tirelessly to ensure we are ready for the summer of 2019".

He said: "As the dream becomes the reality, discussions continue with our future landlords, CYC, over the costs and processes required to realise the fantastic opportunity ahead of us for the club and for the local community. Whilst the CYC are our landlords and with whom contractual agreements exist, the role that GLL as assigned operators and Stadium Management Company (SMC), is pivotal to the agreements.

"As Chairman and hence ‘guardian’ of club, I will safeguard the future and ensure the sport is best placed to grow and maximise the new facility. I take that role incredibly seriously and make no apologies for continuing to drive all parties to ‘invest’ in the process as well as receive benefit from the outcomes."

Mr Flatman said City of York Council Chief Executive Mary Weastell had been "fully supportive and contributed enormously" to the success of the Knights, and called on others to work with her and the council to move forward.

He said: "We must focus all parties to work with her staff as we have one window of opportunity now to get it right as the ‘first impression’ of attendees gets closer and closer. If the user experience is the focus then we will have a venue that is vibrant, working for all of the community and financially viable.

"I believe it will be a success but there will be compromises required to ensure the community stadium maximises the positive impact for all. It will be a success and not by chance or a ‘build it and they will come’ mentality but by clear thought, hard work and smart preparation focussing on the user/community (the source of funding) and the experience.

"The success of the constituent parts of the club working together in 2018 is echoed within the Stadium planning. The whole must not only be greater than the sum of the parts but must also be the meaningful focus. This clubs overall situation right now and the new stadium is a fantastic opportunity to be maximised and not simply maintained. We will do everything position to relentlessly drive this organisation forward."