FAN favourite Ryan Mallinder is officially a York City Knights player again - and head coach James Ford couldn't be happier.

Mallinder’s career was in the balance after he suffered an horrific leg break in the League One win at Newcastle 13 months ago.

However, he returned to rehab training at the Knights in the spring and, having pledged to get back to full fitness to help the club he "loves", he has now penned a deal until the end of the season, soon set to fight for a shirt once again.

"I'm really pleased," said Ford. "He's someone who plays with aggression and desire and, not only that, he's been a big part of the club with fantastic leadership ability.

"We've missed him as a player and I missed him as coach when things went as they did last year - we missed his leadership, keeping the group focused and together and pulling in the same direction.

"It's great to get him back."

Packman Mallinder, who turns 29 next month, first joined the Knights in 2013 after being plucked out of the amateur game.

He has helped the team reach the League One play-offs in the last three seasons, although he was sidelined throughout the Super 8s and knockouts last season, during which time the club so nearly went under and suffered a mass player exodus before a successful takeover gave them a new lease of life.

In addition to his broken leg, new work commitments outside of rugby, allied to becoming a dad, also left him contemplating hanging up his boots last year.

But he returned to the fold as soon as those commitments eased, initially without even discussing contract terms, telling The Press he “loved this club and wanted to be part of this new era".

With his rehab now almost over - he is to have a pin removed from his leg next week - he is set to kick on again in training and is eyeing a return to action before the Super 8s section of the season starts next month.

Asked how close he was to donning the shirt again, Ford said: "He's certainly showing promise. We're hopeful he will come into the squad sooner rather than later. We're looking at him probably being available, if needed, for the Hemel game (on July 9)."

He added: "Ryan's under no illusions it will be tough (to win a shirt), but you never know do you.

"We've seen Ryan have some outstanding games for the club. We need people with his desire and aggression and, if he gets an opportunity, I'm sure he will take it with both hands.