York City's new training complex was hailed as better than that of most top-flight teams by Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson.

The United boss even declared the lush 181/2-acre training ground off the Helmsley Road on the outskirts of Wigginton as superior to that currently used by his legion of Old Trafford superstars.

That will only be a temporary dominance as United are currently having a £10million academy built to be finished next year. But even so the United manager was hugely impressed by the facilities he officially opened.

"These facilities are first-class and are better than most Premiership teams," he enthused.

"As far as any football club is concerned, and not just York City, this is the way forward.

"I am sure Alan Little will get the most benefit from it all as he is able to work in private with his players and he and his staff can help to bring youngsters on. It is a pleasure for me to come here."

City chairman Douglas Craig was equally ebullient, extolling the new facilities as the end of a dream and the beginning of a new era.

Added Craig: "It's the last piece of the jigsaw giving us a foundation from which to move on.

"The training ground is evidence of how we have spent money wisely. And it also shows that we have ambition at the club.

"The next step forward is that when we get into the First Division is to start re-development work at Bootham Crescent."

The initial cash outlay of £100,000 for the training complex that has now cost upwards of £250,000 with the siting of changing-rooms and showers, was realised by the sale of goalkeeper Nick Culkin as a then inexperienced 17-year-old from City to United just over three years ago.

As part of the burgeoning relationship between the two clubs United also bought teenager striker Jonathan Greening in a £350,000 deal that could eventually top £1million.

Ferguson praised both prospects. Confirming Culkin as the current number three 'keeper behind internationals Peter Schmeichel and Raymond Van Der Gouw the United boss said: "He has improved physically which is what he had to do.

"He's a big lad with a bit of physique about him and as goalkeepers go he is young enough."

Of striker Greening, who achieved a boyhood ambition in joining United eight months ago Ferguson added: "He has done very well and we are pleased with him."

see COMMENT 'Alex is on the ball'

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.