BUSINESSMAN David Dickson has reached an agreement to take over York.
Subject to Rugby Football League approval, a group headed by Dickson and his family are set to acquire a majority shareholding from Australian Clint Goodchild, who has owned the club since the beginning of 2022.
In that time, York Knights have been elevated to Super League for the first time while the women’s team, York Valkyrie, have twice won the league title.
Goodchild says the club is in “safe hands” with 71-year-old Dickson, a prominent York businessman who made his money in accountancy and has held a variety of roles in both the private and public sector.
“I brought ambition. I leave with enough friendships and memories to last a lifetime,” said Goodchild, who has stepped down as chairman and chief executive.
“On arrival I knew York was a proud rugby league city, but I didn’t know then how much this place, this club and its people would come to mean to me.
“The club is in safe hands and has a very bright future. The club is lucky to have such a wonderful Yorkshire family involved and I am excited for this next York RLFC chapter.”
Richard Larking will remain on the board while fellow director Neil Gulliver, the current general manager, will become chief executive.
Dickson has already been lending his support to the club, in particular to Valkyrie, for some time and is expected to help the Knights consolidate in the top division.
They have earned a respectable seven wins in 24 matches so far in their first Super League season despite only receiving half of the central distribution given to the established clubs.
York are confident they will not be at any risk of losing their place by ranking outside the top 14 clubs when the next club gradings are released in October.