WORK to upgrade York City’s Wigginton Road training ground has been assisted by a £28,000 cash boost.

The money, donated by the club’s vice-presidents, was raised during last season and will go towards ongoing improvements including a new irrigation system.

Worthington’s desire to enhance the facilities available to himself and his players were a key part of his negotiations with chairman Jason McGill before he committed himself to a new contract at Bootham Crescent at the end of last season.

The training surface at Wigginton Road has been a frequent problem for City managers, with prolonged wet or dry weather making conditions unplayable or dangerous.

Worthington’s plans also include improving the changing facilities and building a meeting room.

Richard Adams, chairman of the York City Vice-presidents, said of the body’s donation: “When Nigel joined the club he wanted to improve the facilities at the training ground and the idea was that we had raised some money during last season and we donated £28,000.

“We are very proud of that.”

Worthington said: “It’s on the go at the moment and, at the time the irrigation system is complete, we might not need it this season but it is there now for next season.

“Those pitches will have to be hand manicured every day when the players come off them.

“That’s what it takes. It takes fantastic care and attention to get good surfaces and that’s what we are looking for.

“We have got a wonderful facility up there, in 18 acres of magnificent training grounds, which I would assume is probably one of the best training grounds in League Two.

“All I said to the chairman was ‘you’ve got a wonderful facility, can we look to add to it from the football club’s point of view?’ “He has bought into that big time and there will be many more things happening up there over the course of the next 12 months.”