NEW boss James Ford expects bigger things from Jack Pickles and Jay Leary in 2015 after the pack pair pledged their futures to his York City Knights evolution.

Both forwards endured frustrating seasons this year, with Pickles playing only twice due to ongoing pelvic injury issues and Leary making three appearances at the back end of the year after arriving on loan from Batley Bulldogs, where his opportunities were limited.

They have both agreed terms for next year, though, and Ford reckons that, with full fitness and a positive pre-seasons, both could become key men, even with the quality of forwards already assembled.

“They’re both players with bags of potential,” said the head coach. “2014 has no doubt been quite annoying for them and we’re obviously hoping 2015 will be a lot better. They can certainly add a lot to what is looking like a quite formidable pack.”

Pickles rose out of the amateur arena in eye-catching fashion in 2013 - making his debut in the momentous win over then title favourites Featherstone Rovers that March - but he has not had a clear injury-free run since then.

Much of his troubles were caused by a pelvic issue known as osteitis pubis - a problem Ford himself endured in the past.

Ex-Castleford academy prop Leary, 22, meanwhile, played 12 times for Batley in 2013 but only four this year prior to his late-season switch.

Said Ford: “Jack started this year very promisingly in pre-season and we were expecting big strides from him but he picked up a very nagging injury which affected his training, recovery and game-time.

“We’ve got to the bottom of it now - it’s something I’ve had in the past and it can really limit you - and I’m sure we’ll be getting him fit and ready to challenge for a run in the 17.

“Jay is probably what you’d term a modern-day loose-forward and he brings a lot of qualities. He works hard for the group and he’s a tough young man.

“He’s showed resilience. He came to us feeling a bit unloved and showed glimpses of his potential, and we believe if we get a bit more horsepower into him and work on his skills, and add that to his work-rate and toughness, he could be quite a signing for us.”

Ford, meanwhile, has hailed the Knights’ ‘meet the players’ event last Sunday as a big success.

Some fans have continued to question the axing of Gary Thornton as head coach but Ford was delighted with the reception the new regime received.

“I was really pleased with the turnout and the amount of positivity from supporters,” he said.

“It was pleasing for the club and players to see how much support the city has got for them. I was also pleased for (chairman) John Guildford as he’s put a lot of time and effort into getting a good squad together.”

He added: “Gary is a good coach and I’m sure in his next role he will do very well. We can celebrate his success (in finishing top of Championship One) this year but we have to look forward, not back.”