HAVING studied the plans for development of Huntington Stadium in the Evening Press (Wednesday, July 9) it wouldn't do York City any harm to look at recent history and the plight of York Rugby League Club, who left Clarence Street in 1989 to pastures new.
It soon became apparent that falling attendances would threaten the club's future, eventually climaxing in 2002 with the club closing down.
Hopefully, the new York Knights Club has a brighter future.
The idea of a stadium with a 12,000 capacity is absolutely foolhardy. If any money should be spent it should be on the team.
City should test the water first, and see if they can get fans to stay loyal at Huntington.
York RL Club fans first went to Huntington because it was new.
The club spent money on good players - David Watson, Tawera Nikau etc - and Clarence Street in the early years of Huntington was still fresh in the supporters' memory.
But after a couple of seasons of near misses, the chance of first division rugby started to slip away and Super League now is just a dream - reality will very soon kick in.
York City have the benefit of hindsight. They should use it, and use it wisely.
D Harkus,
Millfield Lane,
Hull Road,
York.
Updated: 12:15 Saturday, July 12, 2003
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