AN online petition asking the Rugby Football League for their “assistance to enable the removal of (owner) John Guildford from York City Knights” in the wake of the club’s off-field strife has been sent to the sport’s governing body.

It was posted with 962 signatures collected in 11 days, and has since topped 1,000.

It is unconfirmed how many of those who signed are Knights fans but proponents say the “majority” have a YO postcode.

The petition, which was started by York City supporter Ian Jones, initially called for the RFL to “assist and enable” a takeover of the Knights by City’s owners, JM Packaging, which in February made an open offer to buy the club.

The Knights were supposed to start the season at City’s Bootham Crescent home before both clubs move into the planned community stadium, but they have begun the campaign homeless after terms could not be agreed, with project leaders City of York Council blaming Guildford for a breakdown in talks, while Guildford said the deal had been unviable despite assurances the club would be no worse off.

A new board of directors has since reopened negotiations with the council, with Guildford stepping down as club chairman but remaining as club owner.

Proponents of the petition posted it on social media and various clubs’ message-boards, while fliers were handed out at City and Knights games.

The RFL have declined to comment.

Guildford said: “The RFL are backing the new board 100 per cent and have been working as mediators with the council and the club.

“If fans had both sides of the story maybe they would have a different opinion.

Meanwhile, the Knights Independent Supporters Club have issued a statement calling for Guildford to cede ownership of the club to JM Packaging - or outline his plans for the immediate future.

It said: “It is becoming increasingly apparent that the club needs to be handed over to JM Packaging Ltd as a matter of urgency.

“This will enable the club to at least play at Bootham Crescent for the interim period, regardless of any negotiations on the new community stadium.

“If there is another plan for the immediate future of the club, could John Guildford please inform supporters, season ticket holders, sponsors, staff, players and coaches what that plan is?”

Guildford declined to comment, though the club said last week the board were resuming negotiations with the council.