YORK Acorn amateur ace Matt Chilton will get his chance in the pro game this season after all - after York City Knights made him their seemingly sole deadline day signing.

Chilton, 20, who scored three tries in three outings during a trial spell with the Knights last winter before returning to his community club, has penned a deal until the end of the season with a view to winning a contract for 2019.

He is poised to make an immediate Betfred League One debut when the title-chasing Knights host Coventry Bears at Bootham Crescent on Sunday.

As reported by The Press, the Knights lost the services of two players this week, albeit by default, as dual-reg props Jordan Walne and Josh Johnson were offloaded by parent club Hull KR to Championship side Leigh Centurions.

However, head coach James Ford reckoned York were well stocked in the middle unit to cope without them - especially after last week's arrival of Aussie ex-NRL star Joel Edwards and Leeds Rhinos pair Jack Ormondroyd and Josh Jordan-Roberts.

Moreover, while The Press understands the Knights weren't able to pull off other deadline day deals they had considered, Ford was quick to welcome Chilton to the ranks, intimating a run at full-back or on the wing was afoot.

“We’re pleased to bring Matt in," he said. "He showed up well for us in pre-season and has a really good attitude. 

“He is best at full-back but this is a jump for him and expectations are high. The amount of football he plays depends on how he trains and plays, but he’s looking forward to the challenge and showing people he’s good enough.”

Ford also said the move had the blessing of Acorn coach Leigh Paul-Rientoul, even if losing the ace full-back could hamper the Blue and Golds' own play-off push in the National Conference League.

"He’s a player we’ve had a really good look at, and we wouldn’t have signed him if he didn’t have a realistic chance of playing for us," he explained. "We feel he needs to play to continue to develop.

“We don’t want to detract from what Leigh has done at Acorn or affect their season without it being imperative for us.

“I’ve spoken to Leigh and he’s pleased Matt is going to get a chance. He’s worked hard and both Matt and the Acorn coaches should take pride in seeing what a good player he’s developing into.

"I'd like to thank Mark Cain (Acorn assistant-coach and former Knights star) for initially recommending Matt to us, and Acorn for their help with this deal. 

“I’m confident he will make a positive transition into our group.”
Asked why now was the right time to sign Chilton, Ford said: “Firstly, we can’t bring in any more players after (the transfer) deadline. 

“Not counting any dual-reg players, we’ve got only Ash Robson and Judah Mazive as wingers at the club, with Ben Cockayne playing in the halves. We’re thin in the half-back and full-back area.

“We wouldn’t have brought Matt in if we didn’t feel he could deliver the goods for us.

“I’ve watched him at Acorn and spoken to him and Leigh about his performances and areas to improve. I’m looking forward to working with him and facilitating his development further.”

Ford did, however, concede disappointment over losing Walne and Johnson.

The pair had been eligible for York for the remainder of the season before their switch to Leigh, alongside Will Dagger, who also played four times for the Knights this year.

“I’m disappointed about that. I enjoyed working with them," he said. "They’re quality players who will bring a lot to Leigh and we wish them all the best.

“It’s a blow on some levels but we have lots of quality middles who missed out last weekend and a couple who are coming back from injury, like Colton Roche.

“The middle is probably where we’re strongest at the minute in terms of depth and quality.

“Joel Edwards, JJR, Colton, Dan Hawksworth, Mike Kelly, Robbo (Adam Robinson), Ronan (Dixon) – there’s a quality forward pack there who didn’t play against Bradford, so I think we will be fine.”

Fellow prop Rory Dixon has also been recalled from his loan at Hemel Stags.

Ford added: “He’s had some really strong games. It will be a tough task to force his way in but I like the approach he’s taking.

“He’s wanting the opportunity to try to force his way in, which is great.”