AS a supporter of York City for many years, may I congratulate the York City Knights and their management team on the magnificent performances this season.

After the agony of losing their ground not so many years ago, and the ignominy of going out of business only last year, it has been a feat little short of a miracle.

I have been to watch the Knights several times this season and had the privilege of being present at the Hunslet match, which had all the passion and commitment the public could wish for from both sides.

The strange coincidence of York City losing Bootham Crescent in the not too distant future and its well documented financial problems of the recent past seem to reflect the Knights' predicament fairly closely.

The creases are now being ironed out of the almost inevitable move to a stadium share, something which could have happened 20 years ago if either sets of directors had used their brains.

Huntington Stadium is our only option to seeing professional football remaining in the city.

I don't want to upset any of the Friends of Bootham Crescent, but in reality I believe that even they must concede that it is inevitable.

We must look to the future and unite at the stadium which will get an atmosphere when the running track goes and spectators are close enough to proceedings to be involved.

If there is one criticism I feel qualified to make is that the Knights have had a real job on in making an atmosphere for fans to be able to encourage their team.

When as few as 500 fans were in the ground (with the Wasps), it was as if you were watching a game on Knavesmire.

I eagerly await the plans of the new ground to see what the club intends to make our new home look like.

I also hope the athletes, if they have to move, will not be given anything less than a good quality compromise for the up and coming runners and field sports stars of the future.

It is my belief that York City and the Knights will be stronger together and I am pleased to see so many people at each game sporting City's red and the Knights' blue at both venues, a sure sign that integration is good for both clubs and the sports in the city.

Maybe when the united stadium is in being then joint season tickets (attractively priced) will encourage even more folk to support both teams.

Jim Dawes,

Low Catton,

York.

Updated: 11:46 Thursday, September 11, 2003