Whether this deal fell through was never reported but Chairman Mike McGinnity now wants to sell the land that houses the accommodation and offices to a builder who wants the land for housing.

City had objected to this, hoping that the land could be retained for playing pitches. Some academy players who are not locally based, were told in April to find themselves some accommodation, whilst others may be put up in digs around the City, whilst a number of redundancies have befallen the hard working staff there.

The first team will continue to train at the Lodge for the time being with the Reserves and Academy at the Alan Higgs Centre in Allard Way after the club decided to retain their interest in this facility.

Mike McGinnity told the CET: "Our priority has to be the first team. "We have got to have a better season than we did last time because the fans are expecting that and I have got to support the manager in any way I can so that he can build a squad capable of making progress. "We are looking at eventually selling off Ryton because it makes sense to move up to Allard Way. It is ours to sell and we are now waiting to hear back from the council as to its change of use."