NEW York City Knights boss Richard Agar says the new-found reputation of York rugby league helped persuade him to take up the Huntington Stadium reins.

The 31-year-old, who was unveiled as the Knights' new head coach over the weekend, has left Featherstone Rovers, where he was tipped for the top job following the departure of Andy Kelly, to come to the Minster city.

And he says the Knights much-improved standing in the game, plus the atmosphere around Huntington Stadium, was a big factor in his decision.

"York's new reputation was one of the great things that attracted me," he told the Evening Press.

"As a rugby league follower you can only stand back and admire the way they've gone about their business this year.

"They put a competitive side out in a short space of time and I'm sure with the extra time they've got to prepare for next season they're going to be even more competitive.

"I've been really impressed with the people involved in the place. There's a good family atmosphere and they're sharing a common goal. They want the club to progress and everyone feels they've got the potential to progress. As a coach that's what you want to hear from someone offering you a job."

Agar confirmed he had discussed the position with departed boss Paul Broadbent, who quit the Knights last week for family reasons.

"I had talks with (chief executive) Steve Ferres and a good positive meeting with Paul Broadbent. I can totally understand his reasons for stepping aside, he was torn about the decision but you can understand family comes first. However, he, as well as Steve and (majority shareholder) John Guildford really sold the club to me."

Agar confirmed this would be his first head coaching role at a professional club. However, he has been heading towards a top job for some time, having been assistant at Featherstone, former England Students coach and boss of local amateur club Featherstone Lions.

"It's my first job as head coach but I've been building up to coaching for four or five years," he explained.

"I've been doing my homework, schooling myself for when this time came about, and it's very flattering when someone like Steve Ferres identifies you as someone who can do you a job. It's good to have his support."

Agar added: "The long-term aim is to gradually work up the leagues," he explained. "I'm not going to make any outlandish predictions about what we will do next year. I would like to say we can improve on the good work done by Paul Broadbent and if so we're heading in the right direction."

Fact file:

Name: Richard Agar.

Date of birth: 20.01.72.

Amateur club: Travellers Saints (Featherstone).

Career: Dewsbury 123 matches + 17 substitute appearances (1993-1995, 1998-2000), Rochdale Hornets 17 matches +10 substitute appearances (1995-1997), Widnes 13 matches + three substitute appearances (2000-2001).

Honours: Premiership grand final winner in 2001 (Widnes) and 2000 (Dewsbury), Premiership grand final runner-up 1999 (Dewsbury).

Updated: 10:48 Monday, September 22, 2003