It’s the big kick- off – at last, at city’s new stadium

YORK CITY football club will play its first game at its new £ 40m stadium later this month, it has been revealed.

The club will take on Gateshead in a National League clash on Tuesday January 19 after agreement was reached with York Council.

A joint statement from the council and club said both parties “have worked extremely hard to overcome any obstacles in the delivery of the project”.

Both say all “recent issues” have been agreed.

The council said it recognises that recent public statements regarding elements of the York City lease were “unfortunately misrepresented”.

Coun Nigel Ayre, Executive Member for Finance and Performance, welcomed the move.

He said: “We would like to thank York City Football Club for their input and involvement in the project and we look forward to a very bright future for both of the cities sporting teams.

“We look forward towel coming Gateshead FC later this month.

“Our aim throughout our work on the York Community Stadium project has been to deliver an incredible stadium and wider leisure facility for supporters, residents and the wider York community.

“The new stadium boasts 8,500 seats and has already been recognised by the FA ( Football Association) and RFL ( Rugby Football League) as one of the finest smaller stadiums in the country, with both organisations looking to use the site in the future, not just for the Rugby World Cup later this year.”

Football club chairman Jason McGill: “On behalf of everyone at York City Football Club, our staff players and supporters, we thank the council for delivering this great stadium and look forward to our next chapter, with the LNER Community Stadium as our home.”

The football club had said there had been a “frustrating and disappointing” delay regarding conditions of the lease and match day agreement but that the issues have now been resolved.

The ground will also be used by York City Knights rugby league club.

The new stadium was first suggested in 2008.