York City Knights community stadium talks back on the agenda

The situation was shrouded in confusion late last week when the council said it was seeking clarification on what it described as “inaccurate and misleading statements” after the club announced their board of directors installed to take over talks from owner John Guildford had been “unable to agree terms”.

The council, which is leading the stadium scheme, also said that it remained keen to continue discussions, and the Knights, who have begun their season homeless, have responded by saying they are “hopeful and committed” to coming to agreement before their first home game of the League One campaign later this month and securing a “viable future” for the club.

The latest Knights statement said: “Since the board’s press release last week, the City of York Council has confirmed that it ‘still remains committed to including York City Knights in the new stadium’ and are keen to meet and continue discussions.

“The council has asked for some further details to help them understand why the directors felt the last proposal from the council would leave the club worse off and financially disadvantaged, when compared to its time at Huntington Stadium.

“The club at this present time are pulling together the information the council now require and are still hopeful and committed to coming to an agreement to ensure the Knights have a home to play their first game on April 26.

“As fans and sponsors of the club, the new directors were delighted that planning was approved for the new Community Stadium and still hope a sensible outcome will allow York City Knights to be part of the project.

“While we accept the frustrations of the supporters and the lack of information which can be made public, the confidential nature of the discussions with the council mean we cannot broadcast each and every development.

“However, we want to reassure fans we are doing everything possible to secure a viable future for the Knights.”