BCH rejects club's request

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Bootham Crescent Holdings (BCH), the company controlled by Douglas Craig which owns the ground dealt a huge blow to the club today by rejecting the club's request for an extension to their lease.

The existing lease expires in May 2004, was signed by John Batchelor which replaced a 25 year lease. At the same time John Batchelor signed away the 25 year lease, Persimmon paid John Batchelor £400,000 sponsorship money. None of this money went into to the club despite promises that it would do. We'll leave you to draw your own conclusions on this.

Craig said today: "We are not prepared to consider that possibility (a lease extension) until such time that necessary planning approvals have been received."

City commercial director Jason McGill, said: "It is clear from the response from Bootham Crescent Holdings we will not be in a position to negotiate an extension to the lease until planning consent is granted.

"We are, however, hopeful York City will be playing at Bootham Crescent next season and the board remains fully committed to finding a solution to our ground problem."

However most supporters hope that the planning permission is NOT approved because Huntington Stadium is totally unsuitable for York City FC. If you are in any doubt about the suitability of Huntington Stadium read this article 'Just say No', or read further information on the Friends of Bootham Crescent website.

With the club now due to be expelled from the ground at the end of the season and Huntington Stadium having many problems making it totally unsuitable for the club to use, the club will now be without a ground next season unless Craig backs down.

The Friends of Bootham Crescent are currently considering their options, which could include protest action. We will have to wait and see. Any statement from FoBC will appear on this website before anywhere else.

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