YORK City supporters have paid their last respects to Bootham Crescent as a football ground.

On Sunday and yesterday, the club opened up the old ground for over 2,500 people to have one final look inside before the land is redeveloped.

And the fans' walk-around on Wednesday marked another step in the historic move the Minstermen are making from Bootham Crescent to the LNER Community Stadium.

It has been a long time in coming for more than one reason. Plans for the move hit numerous bumps on a two-decade road to completion, while the coronavirus pandemic put farewell events on hold. When they did materialise, City had to work within constraints to keep them Covid-secure.

For York's stadium development director Ian McAndrew, the two days have been very meaningful.

"Sunday and this morning have been so rewarding," he said.

"I was speaking to Dan (Simmonite, York media officer) and he said this is the best thing we've done. Getting fans round has been wonderful.

"This ground offered so much to the history and culture of the city of York as well as York City," he said.

"I didn't think many would come this morning but here we are. I bet there has been over 2,000 people come over the two days.

"We're really seeing how close people are to Bootham Crescent and to the club.

"It's been really rewarding.

"We were going to do a big farewell with fireworks and music but Covid put a stop to that. There were no fans at the last match at Bootham Crescent, or at the first match at the Community Stadium. Then you look around here and think about health and safety.

"It's been really special. This is 90 years of history."