They think it’s all over… It is now.
Bootham Crescent, home to York City FC from 1932 to 2020, has finally been sold to Persimmon Homes.
The club board, including chairman Jason McGill, met at the old ground for one last time today (Monday) to hand over the keys to Scott Waters, MD of Persimmon Homes Yorkshire.
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This month work will begin to demolish the stadium before 93 homes are built on the 4.25 acre site.
With most of the seating gone and the grass overgrown, Bootham Crescent looks more than a little forlorn.
City chairman Jason McGill said he found it “a bit surreal” to be back one last time. “Walking in, with the windows smashed – it looks a bit of a sorry state.
“I’m standing here looking out, and I’m just thinking of all the great times that we had. I can seriously hear the roar of the crowd. And it’ll always stay with me.”
He said he was delighted by the legacy plans for the new housing development.
A Bootham Crescent memorial garden will incorporate a section of terracing from the old Popular Stand.
The centre circle from the pitch will also be retained, as well as a York City FC flag – to be raised on club milestone dates.
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And the names of famous players like David Longhurst and Keith Walwyn will be incorporated into the names of streets, blocks and walkways.
Jason said: “It has been a bit of a sad day to be honest. But we’ve got to look forward to the new stadium and the new memories we can create there.”
Scott Waters said demolition will begin later this month as the site is cleared to make way for 93 homes. These are expected to be ready to go on sale early next year.
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