YORK City Knights’ new replica shirts proved a hit with fans as the club officially launched their 2014 season last night.

The club’s new merchandise, including trendy specially designed T-shirts as well as the replica strips, which feature a retro style away shirt harking back to York RL’s famous old black and amber colours, were on sale at the event, along with season tickets, memberships to the re-launched club lottery and raffle tickets for the charity Christmas prize draw in aid of the Knights Foundation.

Chairman John Guildford was delighted with how things shaped up. “We sold more than 100 shirts within the first hour – that’s great support,” he said.

The new-look squad for the forthcoming season arrived after training and were introduced to supporters by head coach Gary Thornton.

Meanwhile, Thornton and some of his troops will also be in attendance at the Knights Independent Supporters’ Society’s “Grand Christmas Party”, which takes place on Saturday, December 14.

The bash, at Huntington Sports Club, starting at 8pm, will feature a family quiz, four horse races (on video), bingo, a grand raffle, chicken and chips supper, and a disco. Tickets cost £5 for adults and £3.50 for under-16s and are available from Gary Hall on 01904 634902.