Knights deal for York City fans as clubs link up (From York Press)

Knights deal for York City fans as clubs link up

12:00pm Thursday 24th May 2012 in Sport By Peter Martini, peter.martini@thepress.co.uk

York City Knights have privately and publicly congratulated York City for their wonderful Wembley double – and to mark the occasion have offered all Minstermen fans cut-price admission to their home game on Sunday.

After previously being at loggerheads over the proposed shared stadium at Monks Cross, the clubs are now standing side by side over that project, and the Press understands the growing entente cordiale between them reached new heights after Knights chairman John Guildford texted his City counterpart, Jason McGill, to wish the footballers luck ahead of their Blue Square Bet Premier play-off final.

The rugby league club also got in touch afterwards to pass on congratulations and invited City players and staff to their game against Keighley on Sunday, with the chance to parade both the FA Trophy and play-off trophy.

This had to be turned down as the footballers have now set off for a break in Benidorm and have plans for the weekend – including going to York Races on Saturday.

Nevertheless, Knights general manager Ian Wilson, himself a York lad who watched both the rugby league side and football team as a youngster, has been quick to hail City’s achievements.

The Knights are also allowing City season ticket holders or anyone with a Wembley ticket stub, from either final, entry to their match on Sunday for just £5 for adults or free of charge for under-16s.

The offer is also extended to members of City of York Athletics Club, who currently share Huntington Stadium with the Knights.

Wilson said: “It was a big week for York City and for sport in the city as a whole. Winning the FA Trophy was a good start, planning consent for the stadium was a big piece of news for the two clubs and the city.

“And they finished it off with another great win at Wembley to get back into the Football League.

“You don’t get many better weeks in sport, and we’d like to offer our congratulations to Jason, Gary Mills (City manager), the players and the supporters, and here’s hoping they do well in League Two next year.”

The Knights could do with some of City’s success rubbing off on them given they are as yet winless in their Championship campaign, but Wilson added: “The results haven’t gone our way but they’ve been good games so the entertainment has been good, and hopefully plenty of City fans will take up this offer and enjoy what they see.”

City fans need to show their season ticket or Wembley ticket stub at the Huntington Stadium turnstiles, which open at 1.30pm on Sunday. Kick off is 3pm.

Wilson added: “After the fantastic news regarding the community stadium, both clubs are keen to work together and we hope City fans will decide to get their weekly sporting fix from the Knights over the summer and start to get used to making the trip to Monks Cross.”

• KISS, the York City Knights Independent Supporters’ Society, are holding a ‘Back to the Sixties’ night this Saturday at Huntington Sports Club, starting at 8pm.

There will be a ‘60s quiz then live cabaret with an act from the USA, Lionel, plus a disco. Tickets are £5, available on the door.

All are invited. All money raised go to the Knights’ squad builder fund.