OWNER Jon Flatman says he is more excited than ever about the future of York City Knights after being "overwhelmed" by support since taking over the club.

The new-look Knights begin their 2017 season on Sunday with a League One Cup opener at Bootham Crescent against North Wales Crusaders.

And Flatman, ahead of the big kick-off, says he has been delighted with what the new organisation has already achieved since they effectively secured the club's future exactly ten weeks ago - leaving him excited about "the now and the future".

"I've been overwhelmed by a lot of things," said Flatman when asked how his first ten weeks had gone.

"Firstly, the commitment of the staff and players has been exemplary.

"The support of the business community, the public and private sectors, has been extremely forthcoming and we're looking forward to announcing some high-profile partnerships in the near future, helping us to build a suitable financial base.

"If we can get that infrastructure right off the pitch it will enable us to continue to invest on the pitch and progress to our three-year aim of Championship rugby league.

"I've been overwhelmed by the support of the ex-players and we look forward to hosting them on matchdays and working with them on next year's 150th anniversary of rugby league in York.

"The foundation continues to grow from strength to strength - it has just held the girls' schools tournament, which was another big success - and we've started working on creating a new talent pathway.

"We're just excited about the now and the future, more than ever."

The Knights this week unveiled a new section in York City's club shop at Bootham Crescent - where shirts were on sale ahead of Monday night's friendly against Hull - and they are also close to agreeing a deal for "excellent" offices in the city.

Flatman also expects a new club website to go live next month to coincide with the start of the League One campaign.

He explained: "There's an agreement in principal for office space which will be the envy of many clubs in terms of its location and as a facility which will enable us to grow as an organisation.

"I'm also very happy with the retail facility at Bootham Crescent and the partnership with the football club.

"We're awaiting delivery of our new merchandise range and that will be added to through the year.

"That retail facility is an important revenue stream for the club as, fundamentally, the more revenue we can raise the more we can invest on the pitch."