FORMER York City Knights boss Gary Thornton has been named the new head coach of Championship strugglers Doncaster.

He takes over from Paul Cooke, who left by mututal consent last month with the Dons bottom of the table without a single win so far this term.

Thornton, who previously coached Batley and Castleford's academy, took the Knights to last year's Championship One league leaders' trophy but his contract was not renewed after the club crashed out of the promotion play-offs.

Former Super League star Cooke had lifted the Championship Coach of the Year award last season after leading his side into the play-offs. He was assisted by former Knights player Chris Spurr, who has also departed the Keepmoat Stadium.

Thornton's first game in charge is away at Bradford Bulls on Sunday.