YORK City Knights chairman Jon Flatman has strongly hinted that more new recruits are imminent for the ever-evolving team - with the big increase in average attendances potentially playing a part in persuading players to come.

James Ford's buoyant side are on a run of four straight wins in Kingstone Press League One, scoring 142 points in their last three outings, to bounce back from the sorry defeat at minnows Oxford and rise from the bottom half of the table up to sixth.

But Flatman insists they will not rest on their laurels, saying he and Ford are continuing to work hard in the transfer market to consolidate a Super 8s spot and even bolster a possible play-off push - an achievement which looked highly improbable after last year's off-the-field crisis, last-minute takeover and the rush to put a side together for the start of this season.

He has confirmed the club are in talks to tie down more players for 2018 - following on from Ronan Dixon, Adam Robinson, Brad Hey and local favourites Ash Robson and Joe Porter - but has suggested the current season is the priority.

Flatman said: "We are working hard to improve the squad of both those we have in the club and those who may become available.

"The 2017 season is very much at the forefront of our thoughts with an additional view to how we can boost our playing roster for 2018.

"We are delighted with the signatures to date of Dixon, Robinson, Hey, Robson and Porter (for 2018) which provide a great mix experience, ability and potential.

"The club will always engage in further conversations with those players who want to be a part of our club moving forward when RFL operational rules allow.

"The facilities, coaching staff and ethos we have provide a great opportunity for players to develop in a first-class environment.

"We are very keen to build the spine of our team and have offers out currently to squad members to build further, with more to follow dependent on performances and attitudes.

"We are hoping they will sign but it's always a personal choice."

Since the season started, the Knights have brought in former Super League hooker Andy Ellis on a permanent deal, and have benefited from a new dual-registration partnership with Hull KR, with playmaker Liam Harris, hooker Will Jubb and prop Kieran Moran notable incomers.

It is unclear how long eye-catching centre Nick Rawsthorne will remain on loan from Hull, but they also currently have on trial former Airlie Birds wonderkid Callum Lancaster.

Flatman has intimated the club's progress on and off the field since the December takeover has also turned heads.

He said: "The interest we have had about the 2018 season is extremely exciting, but for now 2017 is the focus.

"We believe this group of players can take the club to the next level given further hard work, some injury luck and the 'rub of the whistle'.

"However, we will be adding to this squad this season."

Flatman also noted the rise in average attendances, with the crowd for the last home game at Bootham Crescent against Coventry being just shy of four figures - and exactly double the turnout for the corresponding fixture in 2016.

He said: "The support of fans plays a huge part in making the decision easier for the players, and our fans have been outstanding this year."