YORK City Knights boss James Ford has put together a preliminary squad for 2016 of 23 players - with more to come.

The club - who had been virtually silent on their recruitment yet clearly busy behind the scenes - confirmed at their presentation ceremony tonight that they are retaining the bulk of the squad that took them to fourth in League One this year despite the off-field strife.

In addition, seven new arrivals have put pen to paper, including notable recruits Mike Emmett (Doncaster) and Brett Waller (Doncaster), as revealed by The Press this week, and winger Austin Buchanan (Dewsbury), all of whom increase the average age in Ford's youthful ranks.

But Ford said: "We're still looking, and are keen to get another exciting player or two who can turn a game."

Also arriving from Doncaster - who are joining York in League One after relegation from the Championship - are talented half-back Richard Wilkinson and prop Russ Spiers.

Jordan Grayston, 24, a goalkicking full-back from Featherstone, also comes in, while Brett Turner has a third go at the professional game, having played 14 times to limited success for York in 2012, and previously turning out for Doncaster. His appearances for the Knights came at half-back or hooker but the 27-year-old has since proved a revelation at full-back for leading National Conference club West Hull, winning international honours in the amateur arena.

Of the latest Doncaster pair, Ford said: "Richard Wilkinson was making big waves when at half-back with (former Dons player-coach) Paul Cooke.

"If he gets things right on and off the field he could be a Super League player. If he adheres to our standards, he'll improve out of sight. York fans should be excited about seeing him play, and I'm excited to see Richard, Jonny Presley and Pat Smith compete for half-back places.

"Russ Spiers will beef up our middle unit. I spotted him when watching Mike Emmett against Featherstone. He had really good go-forward and he's another one who we'll see improve."

Grayston, following a spell in Australia with Mackay Cutters, joined Dewsbury in 2014 and played for Batley last year before taking a break from the game and then joining Rovers' ranks, where he failed to make the first team despite impressing for the reserves.

Ford said: "Jordan is quick and tough. I'm confident if he does things the way I want he'll be a very good signing at full-back or wing.

"Brett Turner has just represented England amateurs at full-back after an outstanding season. He's lively and attack-minded. I've not coached him yet and, if he applies himself, there's no reason he can't excel in the pro game."

The players retained are Ben and Adam Dent, Nev Morrison, James Morland, Brad Hey, Jonny Presley, Kriss Brining, Harry Carter, Mark Applegarth, Jack Aldous, Brad Nicholson, Ed Smith, Josh Tonks and Ryan Mallinder, while James Haynes and Pat Smith were already on two-year deals.

It is thought talks are ongoing with Micky Learmonth and Tyler Craig.

As reported, the players leaving are Colton Roche (Featherstone), Jamel Chisholm (Oldham), Liam Cunningham (released), Jack Blagbrough (loan from Sheffield ended), Jordan Howden (Doncaster) and, almost certainly, Greg Minikin, who is heading to Castleford.

Full-backs: Haynes, B Dent, Grayston, Turner. Wingers: Morrison, Buchanan, A Dent. Centres: Morland, Hey. Half-backs: Presley, P Smith, Wilkinson. Hookers: Emmett, Brining, Carter. Props: Applegarth, Aldous, Nicholson, Waller, Spiers. Back-rowers: E Smith, Tonks, Mallinder.