YORK City Knights are back in the community stadium project after club chiefs and City of York Council finally agreed terms.

In what has been described as a "significant milestone" for the scheme, directors brought in to take over negotiations with the council - after major shareholder John Guildford was controversially sidelined from talks in January - have struck a deal which effectively secures the club's immediate future.

The agreement, which follows months of wrangling and secret meetings, is thought to include a financial package which compensates for income forfeited by moving out of Huntington Stadium, where the new ground will be built.

It also means the Knights, who have staged home matches this year in Doncaster and Featherstone and at York RUFC and Heworth ARLC, will now be able to play at York City's Bootham Crescent ground until both clubs move into the new 8,000-seater arena.

This should start with the visit of Oxford on August 9, though a council spokesman said an immediate move was subject to "a number of formalities being put in place including the submission of a safety certificate". 

As part of the scheme, the Knights can also now set up permanent base at York St John University's state-of-the-art training facility off Haxby Road.

York Press:

Neil Jennings and Dave Baldwin from The Knights (left and third left), with council leader Chris Steward (second left) and Cllr Nigel Ayre (far right).

Cllr Nigel Ayre, the executive member for culture, leisure and tourism, said: “This is a major step forward for the project and we’re delighted to stand together with the Knights' directors to mark this occasion. 

"Professional rugby has been a part of York’s sporting heritage for generations and we’ve reached a new agreement that will give York a lasting legacy for the future of rugby. 

"We’re sure sporting fans will join us in marking this significant moment, which will ensure the long-term viability of the club and enhance the success of their current community coaching and engagement programmes here in York.”

Cllr Chris Steward, the leader of City of York Council, said: “It has always been vital to have York City Knights in the new community stadium and it is therefore excellent news we have signed this agreement. This gives a surer footing to professional sport and rugby league in particular in the city, which can now grow stronger."

Knights director Neil Jennings said: “On behalf of everyone at the club, we would like to thank our supporters for their ongoing support during these difficult months. 

"We aim to move forward and urge our supporters to back James Ford and his players as they continue their aspiration to gain promotion to the Championship. We look forward to welcoming you to our new home in the near future.”

The community stadium development also comprises a leisure facility including a gym, a 25-metre six-lane swimming pool, a fun pool and training pool, a new sports hall and a dance studio. There is also a community hub on site providing facilities promoting health and wellbeing, as well as retail units, restaurants and a multi-screen cinema.