COMMUNITY stadium project manager Tim Atkins said it was “great to engage with the fans” in the wake of his public meeting with York City Knights supporters.

Thursday night’s meeting at New Earswick Folk Hall, attended by more than 100 fans, was arranged by the Knights Independent Supporters’ Society (KISS) and City of York Council’s stadium project team.

The rugby league club are currently sidelined from the scheme – the council blame club chairman John Guildford for the breakdown in talks - and as things stand will begin their season next week homeless.

But Atkins, having given a presentation of the stadium plans, revealed a meeting with the club’s new board, brought in to take on stadium talks, was to take place on Wednesday with a view to reopening negotiations.

Of the event at the Folk Hall, he said: “It was great to engage with the fans as they’re the heart of the club.

“There was a clear message to take away from the meeting for both the club and the council - the fans clearly want the new stadium and the associated facilities.”

Atkins, who had received a mixed reception during a question and answer session, told the meeting that terms of the stadium deal were effectively better for the Knights than for York City, who are also to move in.

He added: “We’re offering the rugby club a fantastic opportunity to move forward, have a sustainable future and compete at a higher level.”

Guildford - who has previously said the last deal that had been offered put the future of the club in doubt - was not present, saying he could not attend having withdrawn from all stadium involvement.

Fellow director Sarah Guildford was there but declined to comment.

KISS chairman Gary Hall said: “Rugby league is a family game and the supporters are passionate about the sport. I think that passion was evident at the meeting.

“I personally look forward to having a stadium in York which the whole county of North Yorkshire can be proud of."