THE possibility of Persimmon Homes buying Bootham Crescent enabling York City to continue playing indefinitely at their home of the last eight decades has been investigated but ruled out by the football club.

The proposal formed part of a number of questions that were not answered during the on-line question and answer session with the Minstermen's new board held by the Evening Press earlier this month.

All the questions have now been answered - with the replies on www.thisisyork.co.uk - including details about the club's proposed move to Huntington Stadium.

Fans had wanted to know whether Persimmon, who have agreed to buy Bootham Crescent subject to planning permission being granted, would be willing to buy out Bootham Crescent Holdings, the current owners of the ground.

That could then allow City to continue playing there while an alternative site is found.

The board said they had looked at the possibility but found it to be a non-starter.

The response read: "The proposal was made to Persimmon Homes several months ago as were several variations of the theme.

"Persimmon have advised all parties that they have a group policy whereby they do not make payment for the acquisition of land until such time that planning permission is granted and the land is 'ready to develop immediately'.

"We have pursued this avenue thoroughly and to exhaustion.

"It is important to note that the Monks Cross stadium will be a new build with more than £3million invested into redevelopment.

"It is not going to be Huntington Stadium with 'a few temporary seats'."

The reply, however, doesn't mention any details on whether the running track currently at Huntington Stadium - and one of the main sticking points among the City faithful - would remain as part of any new plans.

sport@ycp.co.uk

Updated: 11:06 Thursday, April 24, 2003