A STATEMENT concerning the future of York City Knights boss James Ford is imminent, The Press understands.

Ford, currently regarded as one of the brightest young bosses in the British game, was appointed an England Academy assistant-coach in May this year.

He has been linked with a number of clubs in the past two years and has previously spoken of his long-term desire to coach in Super League and turn full-time.

The 35-year-old, who took the Knights reins at the end of 2014 and has since led the team to three consecutive League One play-off semi-finals, is currently contracted to York until the end of the 2019 season, having agreed an extended deal in January 2017 immediately after Jon Flatman's consortium took control of the club.

His side currently sit second in League One to Bradford Bulls, with the two meeting in a potential title showdown at Odsal this Sunday - in a match being marketed as the "Game of the Year" by the fallen West Yorkshire giants.