NEW boss James Ford reckons his York City Knights “middle unit” is already looking strong after the club announced Colton Roche – officially one of the best props in Championship One - was staying for 2015.

As revealed by The Press, former Player of the Year Mark Applegarth is to return to the club as player/assistant-coach next year under Ford’s new regime.

And the head coach has likewise hailed the retention of Roche, after the Ireland international was unveiled as the Knights' first player signing of the off-season. Championship clubs, as well as Championship One rivals, had sought his signature.

“Obviously I’m delighted we’ve kept him,” said Ford. “With Colton and Mark Applegarth in the middle, we’re already starting to look really strong there.

“There was a lot of interest in him for obvious reasons but he’s staying with us. He likes how we do things and he can see where the club is going.

“As a player he carries the ball with fantastic intent, he’s got good skill as well and defensively he tackles with ferocity.

“Not only is he a very good player but he’s a really good person as well and that’s what we’re looking for. It’s about how we prepare, how we train and how we play, and Colton not only wants to be the best he can be but he helps others to be the best they can be.”

Roche arrived from Featherstone Rovers in May and missed only one game since, being voted The Press Player of the Month in July and later claiming the ‘Moment of the Year’ gong at the club’s awards night for his match-winning try at Hunslet which effectively sealed the Championship One leaders’ title.

He was also named in the league’s Team of the Year.

He had previously come through the ranks at Leeds before joining Sheffield, for whom he played 19 times in their 2013 Championship-winning season, prior to his aborted spell at Featherstone.

He has spent time training at York’s partner club Castleford this year, and while there is no such agreement yet in place for next term, Ford would not rule out a Super League future for the 21-year-old.

“I think with Colton there’s still development in him and hopefully we can get him to improve and play at that next level – hopefully with us,” he said.

“He’s certainly capable of playing at a higher level.

“Daryl Powell (Cas boss) is a big fan of Colton’s, as all coaches will be. I’m sure he will keep an eye on his progress.”