YORK City Knights have appointed a new commercial director on the eve of the new season - businessman, former player and lifelong fan Darren Crake.

The 46-year-old former forward spent the bulk of his playing career at York Acorn ARLC but he had one and a half seasons on York Wasps' books, playing 28 times, before that club closed down and was reborn as the Knights.

He had begun senior rugby with the old Magpie pub's Interworks team aged 16.

Away from rugby, Crake started out as an apprentice litho printer before quickly moving into management.

In 2005 he set up his own print finishing business in Leeds and soon expanded to London, Manchester and Bristol - creating a £6.5million turnover.

He is currently a director and owner of two companies in different sectors - DigiCAB Media, which produces on-board digital advertising in taxis across the UK, and printing equipment firm SBL Machinery.

On joining the Kingstone Press League One club, Crake said: “I am very much looking forward not just to the season and the match-day experience at the Knights, but also getting stuck in behind the scenes and helping what we believe will become a fantastic club with the community at the heart.

“I want to see as many local businesses supporting the new-look team in whatever way they can.

"We want to create long-lasting professional relationships with all stakeholders by making the York City Knights experience something to relish being a part of.

“I have been in talks for a little while with (new club owner) Jon Flatman and quickly recognised that we share the same vision for not just the Knights but for the whole rugby league community in York.

"It's great to see that Jon and I have very similar ideas and values on how we can take the club forward.”

Crake takes up his new post ahead of the opening game of term, the League One Cup first round tie at home to North Wales Crusaders on Sunday (3pm).