FORMER York City Knights captain Lee Paterson could be in line for a return to his home-town club after leaving Widnes.

The loose-forward-cum-stand-off, who is in the Scotland squad for the European Cup, has been with the Championship big-guns for the past two seasons. He was a key member of York’s 2005 National League Two title-winning squad but left Huntington Stadium at the end of 2006 to have a year with Batley.

The Press understands the Knights have been back in touch with the 28-year-old, although any talks have only been tentative, especially now both half-back Chris Thorman and loose-forward Richard Blakeway have signed up.

Fellow new recruits Alex Benson, Joe McLocklan, Mark Falkingham and Luke Hardbottle will join star signing Thorman at a ‘meet the players’ event at Huntington Stadium tonight.

As reported by The Press, former England captain Thorman will officially sign his two-year contract, at about 7pm, during the event in Bar 13. All supporters are welcome to go along.

Meanwhile, prop Adam Sullivan – as expected – has followed threequarter Wayne McHugh in joining the exodus from York to Championship One rivals Hunslet.

Sullivan, 26, was effectively the longest-serving player at Huntington Stadium. He had been with the Knights since joining from Hull KR in August, 2004, barring one spell in France which meant he missed the first half of 2008.

In total, he played 130 games for York and was the Press Player of the Year in the 2005 title-winning campaign. Known as ‘Mr Consistency’, he came second in those standings this season, but rejected a new contract to stay at Huntington Stadium.

He became the eighth player to follow former Knights player-coach Paul March to the John Charles Stadium, saying he was looking forward to teaming up again with March and was “ready for a new challenge”.

Former Knights loanee Luke Ambler, the Leeds prop who might rejoin the York ranks on loan next term, is in the Ireland squad for the European Cup, joining ex-Knights packmen Sean Hesketh and Jason Golden.

Half-back Gareth Moore, who recently left the Knights to join Gateshead, and former York forward Neil Lowe are in the Scotland squad alongside Paterson. Ex-York full-back Jamie Benn, now playing for amateurs Castleford Panthers, also retains his place.

Knights fans are reminded that orders for 2010 replica shirts and season tickets, vice-president and club membership packages are being taken tonight, from 7pm. New Knights leisurewear will also be on sale.

The new home and away shirts cost £42 for adults and £35 for children. Sizes will be limited so supporters are advised to pre-order.