YORK City have revealed that the poor condition of the Bootham Crescent playing surface this year has been caused by a condition called “black layer”.

The club’s home pitch has cut up in chunks regularly during games over recent months but, having found the reason for the problem, improvements have already been detected following specialised treatment.

City communications director Sophie McGill is also hoping that such work can continue if York City Knights resolve their dispute with the council and play their home fixtures at the stadium throughout the spring and summer months.

McGill said: “Following extensive discussions with our grounds manager Chris Stirk, the diagnosis regarding the current state of the Bootham Crescent pitch is that it unfortunately has a condition called black layer. This means there is a layer of rotten material, about an inch thick, two inches below the surface of the pitch.

“The roots cannot penetrate this black layer and are consequently spreading outwards rather than downwards, leaving the top surface of the pitch floating. The rotten material has built up over many years and is principally due to poor drainage.

“We took advice from an agronomist who recommended regular verti-drain work, which we already do, and a monthly specialised chemical treatment.

“Two chemical treatments have now taken place and we are already seeing an improvement, as the black layer has reduced and the roots are now penetrating it with the result being that the playing surface is becoming much more stable.

“We believe the pitch will improve further in the coming months as we continue this treatment programme. Clearly, we are mindful of York City Knights, hopefully, playing at Bootham Crescent soon and are therefore committed to ensuring the pitch is as good as possible.

“This situation alone emphasises our need to move to the new community stadium with the modern playing surface it will offer both football and rugby league.”