YORK City has re-assured supporters that they will still be able to play on the hallowed turf at Bootham Crescent this summer, despite the delay in moving to the new Community Stadium.

The club originally decided to mark its departure from the ground by offering supporters of all ages the opportunity to hire the pitch and dressing rooms this summer.

It said it was an opportunity to 'follow in the footsteps of City legends and play 90 minutes of football on the hallowed turf,' ideal for groups of friends, businesses, schools, or junior football teams.

The Press revealed earlier this week that the new 8,000-seater stadium at Monks Cross, which had been due to open in July, allowing York City to play there at the start of next season, will not now be ready until August 19 at the earliest.

The club said today that it wished to re-assure supporters that all pitch hire bookings would be honoured this summer, after a number of supporters had contacted the club to express concerns.

“Although the bookings will place extra demands on the Bootham Crescent pitch this summer, the club does not feel it right to deny our supporters their final opportunity to play on the ‘hallowed turf’ before moving to Monks Cross.”

It added that all 'Play on the Pitch' weekend slots were now fully booked but there was still midweek availability.