National League side York City blocked Championship One side York City Knights "from using the Bootham Crescent ground they share," according to RUNNING RUGBY. Just 48 hours "after doubts were raised" over where Sunday's League One Super 8s opener against Doncaster would be held, it has become apparent the situation regarding its groundshare with York City is "so troublesome the club is on the brink of folding." A decision on its future "is likely to be made by club chiefs before the weekend." There "is a chance the players will be made free agents, giving them a chance to get new clubs" before Friday's '16 transfer deadline.
The Knights left their old Huntington Stadium home at the end of '14 "so it could be demolished to make way for City of York Council's planned new community stadium on the same site." A major falling-out between Guildford and project leaders "saw the club ousted from the much-delayed scheme and left homeless throughout 2015." Knights chiefs "are taking legal advice" amid claims the council has breached its contract (RUNNING RUGBY, 7/21). In York, Peter Martini wrote coach James Ford has admitted he is "lost for words" after the grave situation facing York City Knights "rapidly came into full view." Ford -- whose side had been "genuine contenders for promotion" to domestic rugby league's second tier -- "is aware the plug is on the verge of being pulled," leaving the players and coaching staff "worrying about providing for their families" and ending over a century of professional rugby league in York. Ford: "I'm lost for words. Disappointed, surprised. I feel for the supporters and the players. Surely there is an alternative. I'm at a loss" (THE PRESS, 7/21).
