York name travelling squad of just 13

York City Knights have named just 13 players in their travelling squad for Saturday’s League 1 promotion play-off clash at Toulouse.

It was confirmed earlier this week that the club would not be eligible for promotion, even if they beat Toulouse and then win again against the victors of the other semi-final between Barrow and Doncaster.

The reason given by the RFL for the restriction on their promotion is because they “have been unable to provide the RFL with security of tenure at a ground that meets the necessary standards until the end of the 2017 season.”

Knights chairman John Guildford believes the club still have a contract to play at York City FC’s Bootham Crescent next year, as part of City of York Council’s community stadium project.

The Council are yet to confirm this, however. Guildford announced plans earlier this week to play home games at Featherstone next year.

“I still believe we’re entitled to promotion as we have alternative arrangements in place should Bootham Crescent not be available,” Guildford told The York Press.

“I believe we still have a contract to play at Bootham Crescent. The alternative facilities also meet Championship criteria.”

The club have the right to appeal the RFL decision within seven days of Wednesday’s RFL notice.

Guildford has revealed that he is taking legal advice and will reach a decision over whether to appeal soon.