PAUL Broadbent has quit as player-coach of York City Knights.

The 35-year-old announced his decision today, just three days after the Knights' first-ever season ended in a National League Two play-off defeat by Barrow.

The Evening Press believes the former Great Britain international, who has cited spending more time with his young family as the reason for stepping down, had made his mind up before Sunday's match. He told the players of his decision at their final training session of the season last night.

The move has brought to an end Broadbent's illustrious 16-year career in professional rugby league, the last year of which has been as player-coach of York. However, he has not ruled out a return to a coaching role in the future.

"The decision had nothing to do with the rugby, nothing to do with anything on the playing field," Broadbent told the Evening Press.

"I've made the decision purely for family reasons. I've got young kids and over these last 12 months I've hardly seen them. It's been a very difficult decision because half of me really wants to do it but the other half of me is saying I've got to do the right thing by my family."

He added: "The people at the club have been brilliant, very supportive. There's a good family attitude about the club and everybody is pulling in the right direction and I am sure they will go on from strength to strength.

"I would like to thank the fans for their support. They've been outstanding in the way they've backed the team and I'm sure the guys can dish them up some pretty special stuff next season."

Broadbent's playing career had already looked in doubt after he suffered severe knee ligament damage in mid-July, and he confirmed today he has decided to hang up his boots. However, his coaching career looked promising after a fine season in charge of the Knights in their first campaign since being admitted to the Rugby Football League.

He added: "I'm coming away from the game altogether. I really don't know where I'm going to go from here. I love being involved in the game and I've made a lot of friends at York, but I've had to put my family first."

In a statement issued today, Knights chief executive Steve Ferres confirmed: "York City Knights coach Paul Broadbent has announced he is to leave the fledgling club after his first season in charge. He has taken the decision to take time out from the game to spend more quality time with his young family.

"It is a major blow to lose Paul, who has contributed much to the success of the Knights this season, but he informed me early of his intentions and had has a valued input towards the appointment of his successor.

"Paul has been an outstanding ambassador for the club, he is a true gentleman of our game, a man with a high degree of integrity and honesty.

"Paul made his decision for the right reasons and I respect him for this. He will be held in high esteem at the Knights as he has been at previous clubs, and will be in the future."

Broadbent had played a major role in getting professional rugby league in York up and running again following the demise of York Wasps last year.

He was announced as provisional player-coach on August 23 - nailing his colours to the mast before the new club had been admitted to the league - and effectively took over the reigns in mid-October following the completion of his last season in Super League with Wakefield.

He had previously played 15 consecutive seasons in top-flight rugby, having started with Sheffield in 1987. He represented both England and Great Britain and famously lifted the Challenge Cup in 1998 after the Eagles triumphed over Wigan at Wembley.

His naming as York's new player-coach for the 2003 season helped the club win enough backing to get into the league and helped the Knights attract several big-name players to Huntington Stadium.

He led the team to fourth place in National League Two in their first season but the dream of promotion ended with Sunday's play-off defeat.

Knights winger Rob Kama has been banned for one game by the Rugby Football League disciplinary committee following his sending off for stamping in the win over Hunslet 12 days ago. The ban will carry over into next season.

Updated: 11:10 Wednesday, September 17, 2003