A POSSIBLE future ground-share of Bootham Crescent between York City FC and York City Knights RLFC has not been ruled out by either club.

However, no talks on the issue have been held and the Evening Press belie-ves there is little likelihood of the clubs sharing that arena in the near future.

As revealed by the Press this week, City have won their battle to claim back Bootham Crescent, their home of 72 years, which allowed them to scrap plans to move to Huntington Stadium, the home of the Knights.

Before City's historic agreement with Bootham Crescent Holdings plc, the two clubs had been set to share Huntington, with development work being proposed to upgrade that venue to Football League standards. But with City saying put, it has left fans wondering whether the Knights would instead move to the football ground.

However, the Press understands the rugby club are now looking into developing their stadium up to Super League standards, without the football club on board, while City have said they are not yet in a position to consider a ground-share.

City's communications director, Sophie McGill, said: "Legalities surrounding the agreement which has been reached for York City to continue to play at Bootham Crescent will not be concluded for some months. We are therefore not in a position to discuss the issue of a possible ground-share at Bootham Crescent.

"As yet, we have not been approached by the Knights on this matter. If the issue did arise, it would be considered by the board with the best interests of football and our fans at the forefront."

Knights majority shareholder John Guildford said: "No discussions on the matter have taken place. We would consider all options which would benefit the two clubs but in the meantime we will concentrate on having a successful season and we wish City luck for the remainder of theirs."

Updated: 10:14 Saturday, February 07, 2004