CHAMPIONSHIP flier Austin Buchanan is winging his way back to York City Knights.

It has been revealed at the club's presentation ceremony at the Royal York Hotel tonight that head coach James Ford has 23 players signed on for 2016, with former Huntington Stadium favourite Buchanan arguably heading up the list of seven new arrivals.

Doncaster duo Mike Emmett and Brett Waller are confirmed among that septet, as previously revealed by The Press, and are joined by two more players from the Keepmoat, in half-back Richard Wilkinson and prop Russ Spiers.

Buchanan, meanwhile, returns to the club where he first made his name before playing the bulk of the last decade in the Championship.

Head coach James Ford said of the 31-year-old: "I'm really pleased to bring Austin in. He's a leader on and off the field.

"When I played against him I had great respect for him. He's a tough competitor, physical, powerful and quick.

"I also like the leadership skills he always showed playing for Dewsbury, especially for a winger."

Buchanan, brother of Leeds veteran Jamie Jones-Buchanan, first played for the Knights in 2004, arriving that May from London Broncos, and went on to win the club's Young Player of the Year award after bagging 15 tries in 16 appearances, including two in the memorable play-off final defeat to Halifax.

His second season at York was ruined by a broken arm, the winger finishing with two tries in four games of the club's National League Two title-winning campaign, but he showed enough to bag a switch back to Super League with Wakefield.

He returned to York on loan for the second half of 2006, notching five tries in 12 National League One appearances.

A year later he signed for Dewsbury from the Wildcats and has been a stellar performer there since, barring a few annoying injury absences, being granted a testimonial this year.

Ford added: "I'm sure he will be a popular signing for the supporters here, and for the players as well.

"He will help us push up our standards.

"I'm pleased to bring a bit more experience to the group as well."