12 replies to this topic

[ANDYPK]

Really good turnout and atmosphere tonight at the launch event, good to see the place full and hear from Woodsy about the squad and how intense the training is. The lads seem to have gelled as a group already, plenty of banter going on.

Brilliant to see and encouraging at this stage.

Reminded me of the early days and long may it continue.

[Tamia Knight]

Don't post very much but must must agree a real "feel good" about things tonight. The place was full, hopefully this will/can continue into the season, with some good friendlies to look forward to. Well done to all concerned.

[KNIGHTS2009]

Don't post very much but must must agree a real "feel good" about things tonight. The place was full, hopefully this will/can continue into the season, with some good friendlies to look forward to. Well done to all concerned.

What are the friendlies?

[KNIGHTS2009]

What are the friendlies?

Can answer that myself for anyone that does not know.
York Select, Cas, Saints & Rhinos.

[shades2]

Yes, great night, excellent vp 'bag', obviously a lot of people put a lot
of hard work in to make it happen, massive thanks to them.

As per usual, excellent talk from DW, sounds to me like he's got the
people he wants & trusts around him on & off the field.
Already get the feeling that an 'inner belief' has been created amongst the
coaches & the lads, think we will have a extremely tight nit group & great
squad spirit.

[ala]

[quote name=

Interesting breakdown on the squad and how well they are training from Woodie , it was also good to hear Woodie saying that he thinks with the squad we have got, and they way they a training they will shock quite a few next season and by the look of things team spirit is very high indeed, its a very youthful looking squad but briming with confidence and that has got to be down to D.W. and the coaching staff ,good night in may ways well done everyone ,worth my 50 mile round trip.

ps did not catch the name of our rugby union recruit,big unit 6ft+ i would say (heard him saying that his training was going well and he was enjoying it, good to hear). also set up some cracking friendlies will give the lads a real
preseason work out,and with two of the biggest names in the game in Saints and Leeds will be interesting to see how many we get through the turnstiles, not long now Knights fans It TOUCH THE MAGIC TIME.

Ala

[KNIGHTS2009]

YORK City Knights have announced an enticing raft of pre-season fixtures ahead of their assault on the Co-operative Championship – on the same night they unveiled the club’s first-ever Dream Team.

The Knights held their luxury shopping night in Bar 13 at Huntington Stadium yesterday, followed by the official launch of their 2011 campaign.

And it was revealed they will follow the annual challenge match for the Lee McTigue Memorial Trophy against a York Select XIII with friendlies against three Super League clubs.

The Dream Team – based on votes submitted by fans – was also disclosed, with former Great Britain hooker Lee Jackson the top pick among the votes.

The Knights’ clash with the Select XIII, picked from the cream of the city’s amateur crop, will be a Christmas special, played on Bank Holiday Monday, December 27 (3pm).

There will then be matches against Castleford on January 16, St Helens on January 23, and Leeds on February 2 (to be confirmed).

There have also been provisional talks with Hull KR for another friendly, possibly on January 9.

It is unlikely these teams will bring their first-choice teams, but it is hoped several Super League players will be on show.

Talking of Super League players, no fewer than five who left the Knights to ply their trade in the top flight have been voted into the club’s inaugural All Stars line-up. Three more were former Super League stars, led by Jackson, who was the most popular pick in the poll.

Fans were asked to submit their choice of Dream Team from all players who have represented the club since the debut 2003 season.

The full-back most supporters selected was Matt Blaymire, who went on to play for Wakefield.

The wingers were record try-scorer Peter Fox, who became an England international, and another home-grown hero, Alex Godfrey.

The centres were current star Lee Waterman, the top points-scorer in Championship One this year, and York schoolteacher Chris Langley, who was the club’s top try-scorer in 2004.

Danny Brough, who went on to lift the Challenge Cup with Hull after his rise to Super League, and former top-flight star Paul March were named the half-backs.

At prop are Australian battering ram Dave Buckley and York legend Rich Hayes, flanking hooker Jackson, and at second-row are another Aussie favourite, Simon Friend, and Jason Golden, who moved up to the top tier.

The club’s first-ever overseas signing, Trevor Krause, was named at loose-forward, forever remembered for his inspirational efforts in the Knights’ inaugural campaign.

Just missing out on the starting XIII, but winning a place on the bench, were forwards Ian Kirke, who went on to win Super League with Leeds, Rob Spicer, former top-flight star David March, and the long-serving Adam Sullivan.

The man chosen as coach was Richard Agar, the current Hull boss, who led the high-scoring entertainers of 2004 that reached the Challenge Cup quarter-finals, Arriva Train Cup semi-finals and the National League Two (Championship One) Grand Final.

Knights general manager Ian Wilson said of the friendlies: “We hope to get some good crowds and a good run-up to the season.”

He added: “We’re also looking to regain the Lee McTigue Trophy but I’m sure (former Knights and York Acorn ARLC star) Darren Callaghan will have his Select XIII fired up.”

He added of the Dream Team: “If we could put this team on the park next season I’m sure we’d do well in the Championship.”

[knightrider]

No mention of Ben Jones last night.This is the lad we signed from Harlequins.Anyone shed any light.

[guest from down under]

Would you yorkies mind awfully doing me a great favour and knocking a few spots off those dreadful Hawks next season thereby shutting up the appalling king of leon ( alias RL KING PUNTER ). Cheers and best wishes . kb .

[Craig123]

Great turnout?
I was there that night thought the turnout was poor.

[barlby knight]

think you must av had an eye shut then old lad

[st@yck]

Yeah i agree Suppose it depends what time you were there but from 7.30-9 when i was there you could hardly move! Brilliant start considering York city were at home and England on TV.

[TwoBlues]

a real "feel good" about things tonight.

I would like to express my thanks for the time,effort and expertise of those people who made the night so enjoyable.
It was only spoiled by the news that one of our supporters is having a difficult time and the pain and bewilderment etched on his face told the story.
I just want his situation this week to turn out the way it should so he can join the rest of us at the start of a long and successful Northern Rail journey.
Here's hoping.