THE recruitment of Chris Thorman has been hailed as the biggest York City Knights signing since Lee Jackson seven years ago.

Thorman, who twice captained England, officially put pen to paper on his two-year Knights contract in Bar 13 at Huntington Stadium last night, when fans had the chance to meet the former Hull, Huddersfield, Parramatta and London Broncos star, as well as fellow new recruits Alex Benson, Joe McLocklan, Mark Falkingham and Luke Hardbottle.

Thorman has become the first England international to come to Huntington Stadium since former Great Britain hooker Jackson, who was the stellar signing ahead of the new club’s inaugural 2003 season, retiring after helping the Knights win the National League Two title in 2005.

Knights general manager Ian Wilson said: “Chris is the first England player we’ve signed since Jacko six or seven years ago, so in that sense it is the biggest signing. The quality and experience he will bring will be crucial to us next season.”

Knights commercial manager Simon Moat has also hailed the work of key sponsor Mayfair Security in helping to bring Thorman to the club as player/assistant-coach.

Moat revealed the Selby-based company, which sponsors the main stand at the ground – branded the Mayfair Security Stand – has agreed a “massive” new three-year extension to their agreement, thus contributing important funds.

The cash figures have remained confidential but Moat said Mayfair was providing “significant financial backing for 2010, 2011, 2012”.

He said: “Mayfair Security has seriously contributed in the signing of Chris Thorman and aiding work in the community undertaken by the Knights.

“The directors and staff of Mayfair are among the most professional, friendly and pro-active people I’ve had pleasure dealing with and are fully committed to seeing the Knights progress.”