What the papers said about Bootham Crescent
"In theory, planning permission for the housing can't be granted unless York have found a new home. Bootham Crescent Holdings and Persimmon Homes have pledged "substantial monies" to expedite that. In practice, however, once York are evicted and Bootham Crescent enjoys vacant possession, the bulldozers can have a field day."
Telegraph - 22 September 2003. Full story
"The hate figure of the year is Douglas Craig, together with his cohorts on the former board of York City. Having transferred the ownership of the ground into their holding company, they agreed to sell it for a fortune to a property developer. The only benefit here, as at many other places, is that the fans have united to preserve their footballing heritage."
Glenn Moore in the Independent - 13 May 2003
In the same "villains' corner" is York-based Persimmon, which past month announced a 42 per cent pre-tax profit rise to £267.6 million and has acquired a 10 per cent stake - 20,000 shares - in Bootham Crescent Holdings.
Lynne Greenwood in the Telegraph - 19 April 2003
Craig . . . formerly a Tory councillor, stands to profit personally to the tune of £3.5 million if a bid to build houses on Bootham Crescent is approved, having bought his shares for not much more than £120,000 in the early 1990s. By contrast, the club is crippled with a range of debts and now fears that every match will be its last.
York City is an organisation nurtured and cherished by its community. One of its standsthe David Longhurst standwas built in memory of a player who died on the pitch during a game, and was built with money donated by the fans and ordinary people. Now it will be bulldozed for houses.
Andy Burnham, MP, in the House of Commons - 31 January 2003
They have to go: YORK CITY 'GANG OF FOUR'
In fact, Douglas Craig, the fomer chairman of York City, has already gone, along with three other former directors, including Barry Swallow, a former player, but they should never be allowed inside a football ground again if, as is feared, their actions kill the third division club. When the holding company they set up in 1999 sold York to a new chairman in March last year, they kept the ground and brought on board surprise, surprise