Ford: The biggest spenders don’t always finish top

Despite the money spent by other clubs, York head coach James Ford is still optimistic about what 2017 holds for the Knights in League 1.

The Knights finished third during the regular season before being thrashed 62-10 by Toulouse in the play-off semi-finals.

“You don’t always finish in order of what you spend or in order of what experience you’ve got,” he said.

“We’re creating a really positive culture at the club.

“We’re looking to improve some of the young players that we’ve signed and we do fancy our chances of being up and around the top half of the table.”

In terms of the upcoming season, Ford is under no illusions just how much competition there will be.

“Toronto have put together a formidable squad on a formidable budget and they’ll be interesting opponents,” he said.

“Then you have Barrow, Whitehaven and Keighley.

“Doncaster have spent fortunes so they should be up there.”

When the news was announced that Jon Flatman was to become the new owner of York City Knights recently, Ford was delighted.

Flatman takes over from John Guildford who had been in charge of the club for the past 14 years.

“When it was officially completed I was really pleased and looking forward to the challenge that was in front of us,” he said.

“The new leadership of the club has been really positive.

“I have been suitably impressed with Jon Flatman so far, how he conducts himself and the support he has provided.”

The previous owners were at the helm for a considerable amount of time and that needs commending, stressed Ford.

“The Guildford family ran the club for 14 years and that needs applauding,” he said.

“It is a really good effort to run a Rugby League club.”

Looking ahead and Ford believes there is a bright future for the club with the owner that is now in place.

“I think it a really exciting time for Rugby League in York and North Yorkshire,” he said.

“The plans they are formulating are really positive and over the next few years I think you will see York begin to fill its potential.”

Now that the off-field situation is more stable, Ford admitted he would still like to bring in a few players but not just anybody.

“You are always looking but it has to be the right type of person and a certain calibre of player,” he said.

“We definitely want up and coming players, who are coachable and will represent the club in the right way.”