THREE sites have been identified as potential venues for new training facilities for York City Knights following the groundbreaking discussions about the city’s new community stadium.

As revealed by The Press yesterday, a meeting between Knights executive chairman John Guildford, York City chairman Jason McGill, City of York Athletics Club chairman Neil Hunter and stadium project manager Tim Atkins saw the four parties reach agreement on the best way forward.

It saw the rugby league club’s concerns over sustainability, income generation and training facilities allayed, while amended drawings by developers Oakgate also addressed some issues.

The Knights are now fully behind the scheme for the first time, and it is now hoped City of York Council representatives and Active York will support the principles agreed when the Community Stadium Advisory Group meet on Wednesday.

One of the Knights’ concerns had been where to train given they would not be able to continue using Huntington Stadium, but a club statement said: “As a result of new amended drawings by Oakgate and revised plans from City of York Council, along with other assurances regarding the scheme, the club has given its full backing to the project.

“The new proposal will have a 3G multi-use facility adjacent to the community stadium along with other indoor sports facilities for community use. “The issue regarding training facilities for the Knights was discussed and three potential sites were identified that could be suitable for the club’s needs, as well as providing community benefits, which is something the club have always championed.

“The Knights’ first team and reserve team matches will be played at the community stadium and during the building of the stadium the Knights will play at Bootham Crescent at no financial loss to the club.

“The Knights will continue to be provided with, as a minimum, the same facilities as we currently have and will not be financially worse off.

“Both York City Knights and York City have agreed to work together to ensure the maximum income streams from the community stadium can be achieved to help the clubs prosper.

“As a result of these discussions and assurances, the Knights are delighted to support the proposals and hope the Knights supporters can join us by getting behind the scheme.”