YORK City Knights boss James Ford does not mind being underdogs in tomorrow's IPro Sport Cup quarter-final - but he has slammed what he considers to be a lack of respect shown to his players in pundits' predictions.

The Knights topped Championship One last year but have begun this season down as joint-seventh favourites with most bookies for the League One title alongside last term's Grand Finalists Oldham, with some rugby league scholars predicting an even lower finish due to the recent off-field strife.

The five relegated clubs all have shorter odds - as do Newcastle Thunder, who come to Clifton Park tomorrow (3pm) as favourites to hand Ford's troops their first defeat of term.

Ford is in no doubt this task will be the toughest his team have faced so far, following victories at unfancied London Skolars and South Wales Scorpions, but he feels his players don't get the credit they merit.

"Some people are predicting we will finish low down in the competition, citing several different reasons," he said.

"We're more focused on what we believe and our views, but it is frustrating that my players don't get the recognition they deserve. The competition might be tougher this year but we were champions last year.

"If you listen to what's being said and read what being written in various media, some people are writing us off. According to them, Newcastle are huge favourites.

"We don't mind being underdogs, and we're looking forward to Sunday to try to cause an upset."

Thunder, coached by Papua New Guinea legend Stanley Gene, have made eye-catching overseas recruits since their takeover by Newcastle Falcons and switch from Gateshead, not least in PNG stars Mark Mexico, Charlie Wabo and Jason Tali, and Aussie hooker Dayne Craig, adding to Kiwi half-back Jordan Meads who arrived last year. Much-travelled veteran prop Ryan MacDonald, once of the Knights, also now adds to their knowhow.

Said Ford: "People are fancying Newcastle this year, which is understandable. We’re coming into the game as underdogs but we’re not too fussed about that.

“They have a high-profile coach in Stanley, and he’s been really busy in the off-season and has recruited heavily from overseas with some experienced players.

"From what I've heard, they are still trying to recruit people. How that affects the mindset of the rest of the squad I'm not sure but that's something for Stanley.

"Once these players have settled into their new environment, I'm sure Newcastle will be a really tough team and right up there in League One.

"Mark Mexico, for one, has played in the NRL - he's a player of outstanding pedigree. It's good for us because it gives my players the opportunity to test themselves against players like him and Charlie Wabo, who have been there and done it.

"It also gives us the opportunity as a group to prove one or two people wrong. People are writing us off and that's a bit disrespectful to my players.

"We will want to change people's opinions of us."

Knockout rounds of the iPro Sport Cup, a new knockout competition for League One clubs, are being played prior to the league's regular season.

Ford has already prioritised the league but said: "Any competition you're in you want to win. That's always been my philosophy as a player and now as a coach.

"I've assembled a squad who want to win at anything they do, let alone in a competition.

"We have to give Newcastle the respect they deserve and perform to an outstanding level to make sure we progress."

Gene said: “York are a good side. Last year we played them three times and lost all three.

“We’re looking forward to another great challenge. Our league season kicks off in April so it will be good to get a winning mentality around the team. It will be a good challenge.”

The draw for the semi-finals will be made live from Clifton Park after tomorrow's match.