Dean Robinson believes he can walk away from York Wasps with his head held high after turning around the fortunes of an ailing club.

When he took over at the start of the 1997 season, Robinson claims York was a club on its knees with no basic equipment and no professionalism.

His first game saw the team beaten by amateurs Dudley Hill in the Challenge Cup but he has turned the club around to earn them respect throughout the Northern Ford Premiership.

"From being what I called the fourth amateur outfit in the city I gave my players professional kudos to hold their heads up with their fellow players in the NFP instead of being looked down upon by their peers at other clubs," he said following his resignation on Monday.

One of Robinson's proudest achievements was leading the Wasps to seventh place in the NFP last year and making other clubs sit up and take notice.

"Clubs who thought we were second rate had to accept us as equals after we beat quality sides such as Keighley, Hull KR and Hunslet. After a long time of being in the doldrums we could justifiably hold our heads up high in the NFP," he said.

His other lasting memory was winning promotion from the second division in 1998 as he recalled: "Having made it clear that if we didn't gain promotion we would go under, when we gained promotion there was a great feeling in the club.

"That was my over-riding memory of (late chairman) Trevor Cox because it coincidied with his birthday."

Despite the happy memories, Robinson claims he had to make the decision to leave because his reputation was at stake.

"I do not want to damage my reputation as a coach by continuing in an untenable position where the only results available would be heavy defeats as I can't function to a professional standard.

"I have the greatest respect for my players and if I'd remained it would have continued in the same vein - with a group of young players it would have had a detrimental affect on their playing standards.

"It was unfair to them and myself as a coach and there was absolutely nothing I could do about it."

Robinson will now take some time out of the game while he waits to see what other coaching jobs become available.

However he remains ambitious and still believes he can reach the top of the sport.

"I think my performance at York over the last three years speaks for itself. I'm certain I have the ability to succeed not only in the Northern Ford Premiership but also in Super League," he said.

"Now I'd just be happy to have a bit of time out and watch a few Super League games. I'll really miss it though, or rather I'll miss it as it was and not as it is. I'll miss being able to go and do the job properly but I'm glad I don't have to go there this week with another obstacle in my path."

Robinson has no idea who will take over as coach but is confident they will not face the same barriers.

He said: "I wish the players and my successor continued success. I have no doubt that whoever takes over will get the access to the office that was denied me, will be given access to constructive dialogue with the board and things will not be kept from him which are of paramount importance.

"I also have no doubt that the minimum standard of training facilities and revenue to strengthen the team will be available. I believe they will be given the chance to function to the best of their ability.

"With my deteriorating relationship with the board that would never have been achieved while I stayed at the club."

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.