James Ford relishing opportunity to face Brian McDermott again

York head coach James Ford is looking forward to seeing Brian McDermott return to the Championship in 2022.

Speaking during the recent Championship launch, the York boss also expressed his delight in seeing the division receive more exposure in 2022.

Former Leeds and Toronto head coach McDermott will take charge of Championship favourites Featherstone for the 2022 campaign.

The Rovers have come agonisingly close to promotion in recent years, falling to Toronto and Toulouse in the 2019 and 2021 Grand Finals respectively.

York open their 2022 campaign at home to Featherstone, with the game set to air live on Premier Sports. It will begin the new partnership that will see Monday Night Rugby League with the Championship.

Rovers: Brian McDermott outlines only objective after becoming Featherstone boss

James Ford delighted with more Championship coverage

Ford said: “I think it’s great that rugby league below Super League is being promoted as it is.

“I think there’s some exceptional players in the Championship. There’s some really good teams and the team we’re playing in Featherstone, Brian McDermott is their head coach.

“It doesn’t get much bigger than that in rugby league. It’s great that the Championship is getting that bit of exposure.”

McDermott, who was a coaching consultant at Oldham last season, was appointed by Featherstone last October. He led Toronto to promotion to Super League with a victory over Featherstone. 

Ford is relishing the prospect of facing the Super League, Challenge Cup and World Club Challenge winning-coach in the Championship.

“I’m looking forward to catching up with him”

“I think every coach in the Championship will be looking forward to coaching against Brian” said Ford.

“I did when he was at Toronto. He spoke really well about York and the organisation and it meant a lot to me after Toronto beat us.

“Brian has always been a coach who has really interested me. When he was at Leeds, I used to watch his interviews, he comes across as a very deep thinker.

“I’m looking forward to catching up with him when we play Featherstone.”

READ MORE: The list of Monday night rugby league Championship fixtures live on TV