YORK City Knights boss James Ford has hailed the club's ever-improving training facility at York St John University - saying it will stand the club in good stead for years to come.

After months of off-field strife caused by the community stadium saga, which left the homeless Knights having to borrow training venues all year, the promotion-chasing team finally got into the university's expanding Nestle Rowntree Park facility early last month.

The venue was supposed to be available to the League One outfit since pre-season as part of the community stadium scheme following the club's enforced departure from Huntington Stadium, but project leaders City of York Council had prevented the team from using it until club chiefs signed a controversial long-term stadium agreement.

Six weeks in, Ford says it is already far better than the old set-up at Huntington, even before the planned expansion.

Both the university and council have also now confirmed that St John's recent withdrawal from the stadium scheme at Monks Cross will not affect the 20-year agreement that allows the Knights to train and play reserve matches at Nestle Rowntree Park.

"It's been really good up there," said Ford. "The staff from York St John have been really helpful and it's been a breath of fresh air, training in an environment of that standard - the kind of place we should be in.

"It will make a massive difference for the long-term future of the club.

"The training facility (at Huntington Stadium) had been one of the few things that had held the club back in terms of attracting players of higher calibre, keeping players and helping players to fulfil their potential.

"We've addressed that now and we can look at moving forward."

The Knights currently have use of floodlit pitches, a 3G pitch, weights rooms, treatment room and storage area at Nestlé Rowntree Park. Additionally, a new sports centre, due to open in September 2016, will contain sports courts, changing rooms, a gym and conference and teaching space.

Overall investment in the Haxby Road site will total £8 million, including a £400,000 contribution from the council towards the use of the facilities by the Knights.

Ford said: "It is considerably better than what we had at Huntington Stadium. It was good in a way to train on the playing pitch there when it came to preparing for home games, but because it was so narrow it contributed I think to us struggling away from home a bit.

"There were no gym facilities for a sports team there either but rather a health club gym, which isn't appropriate for professional athletes. We've got a proper environment now.

"The new development that's coming at St John also looks really impressive. It's exciting."

As part of the partnership, the Knights Foundation is working with the university to develop opportunities for students and staff in the rugby league arena.

Knights director Neil Jennings said: “This partnership will embed systems and structures of joint working which will encompass a wide range of placements and internships alongside volunteering, playing and coaching opportunities that will benefit York St John University, its students, the Knights and the Foundation for years to come.”

Chris Watts, director of marketing and student recruitment at St John, said: “Nestlé Rowntree Park is a major investment for the university and is a superb facility for students and community groups.

"We hope it will increase participation in sport as well as provide an excellent base for York City Knights’ training, some matches and other activities over the coming years."

Cllr Nigel Ayre, the council's executive member for leisure, culture and tourism, said: “We’re delighted this agreement is benefitting both York City Knights and York St John University.

"The facilities are superb for the city and will hopefully also help the Knights get promoted. This partnership and the improved facilities will benefit the students and staff at the university and help residents enjoy rugby league with the community initiatives involving the Knights.”

* NEWCASTLE head coach Stanley Gene has left the club with immediate effect following a disappointing season on Tyneside. Thunder were targeting the League One play-offs following the takeover by rugby union club Newcastle Falcons but ended eighth.