THE chairman of York City FC says supporters unhappy at the potential move to an out-of-town stadium will have the chance to “build new memories”.

The Minstermen will leave Bootham Crescent, their home of 78 years, if the dream of a purpose-built 6,000-seat home for the club and York City Knights at Monks Cross is realised.

This week, City of York Council’s ruling executive chose, as its preferred location, the Monks Cross site, which includes the Knight’s current ground Huntington Stadium and the neighbouring Vangarde land previously earmarked for a HSBC data centre.

The decision will still need to be rubber-stamped by the full council, while planning permission must be secured and funding gaps plugged.

City chairman Jason McGill said: “For the club to be successful, we need the commercial opportunities it will provide. We have to provide future financial security for the club in a 21st Century stadium rather than a dilapidated one, plus it will help attract families and the next generation of supporters.

“We wouldn’t support moving to Monks Cross if we didn’t think it was the right thing to do and we now hope we get the full backing of the council because we can’t see any reason for opposing this project.

“There are obviously emotional issues for supporters and it will be heart-wrenching to leave Bootham Crescent, but we have to build for the future and build new memories.”

Ray Wynn, secretary of City’s supporters’ club, said: “Although a lot of people will find leaving Bootham Crescent difficult, it costs too much money and we really need a new ground with modern facilities and open every day, rather than once a fortnight. I hope everything now goes well with the project and the supporters follow the club to Monks Cross.”

Long-standing City fans Dave Marks, 34, from Acomb, said: “I can’t imagine City’s ground being anywhere else than Bootham Crescent, but, whether we like it or not, it’s the reality of modern football.

“The club is more than a ground and I’ll support them anywhere.”