IF anyone had any fears about the immediate financial future of York City Knights, then they must have been considerably eased if not totally wiped by the news that came out of Huntington Stadium on Thursday.
Not only did the recruitment of Jamaine Wray show that the Knights were still looking to move forward, but, perhaps more significantly, the fact they paid to prise him away from Hunslet showed they were in a position to do so.
Furthermore, given that the bulk of the transfer fee will come out of gate receipts from a Hawks v Knights friendly next pre-season, which could lift Hunslet's compensation up to £10,000, that suggests the Knights hierarchy are already looking at next season's budget.
The aforementioned fears were raised exactly a week earlier as the club announced they were to hold "the most important meeting since they were formed".
This meeting will be held this Tuesday, April 25, at Huntington Stadium (7.30pm for 8pm), and still a cloud of mystery hangs over it as a watertight seal continues to prevent leaks regarding the agenda.
I for one admit bafflement at what it is likely to comprise, with suggestions from various quarters ranging from going full-time by next season to threats of pulling the plug unless they get a plush new ground.
I have my own idea, completely unsubstantiated, that it may be about the need to develop new or improved income streams. But even if that is right, just what they are and how the fans play their part I don't know.
I assume, simply because of the nature of this meeting and the way it has been called, that the supporters will be needed to assist the club on whatever it has planned, or at least that the club seeks general public backing to go forward with their ideas.
Keeping the agenda secret increases intrigue and gets people talking and, ergo, brings more people in to see what all the fuss is about.
To that end, the fact the mystery also brought concerns and comments regarding the club's financial state is no bad thing, and I have little doubt the Knights hierarchy were aware they would get some negative feedback stemming from concerns.
There are further possible problems, however, with the way it has been done. Firstly, associated concerns over finances might raise one or two questioning eyebrows among sponsors and indeed players - though hopefully these have been answered by the Wray signing.
Secondly, if it turns out to be not as important as the Knights would have us believe, then we could have a crying wolf situation the next time they call a big meeting.
With a bit of luck, it won't be a letdown, but either way, it gives added credence to the belief that following the Knights is never dull.
YORK might lose out on a little piece of history tonight unless Brian Noble can work an immediate magic wand at the JJB and lead his new Wigan side to victory at Huddersfield Giants.
The Warriors are seeking to avoid eight successive league defeats for the first time since the 19th century, and if they do, the unwanted record would usurp one set by York 24 years ago.
The Easter double defeat by St Helens and Harlequins made it seven Super League losses in a row, and the last time they suffered such a seven-down was in the 1981-82 season, their first campaign after being promoted, along with York, to Division One of the Slalom Lager Championship.
That sequence began with defeat to Widnes and took in Warrington, Bradford, Leigh, Barrow and Hull before finishing at - wait for it - York, as they suffered a 24-20 defeat at Clarence Street.
The losing run ended with a 16-5 win over Wakefield Trinity and Wigan went on to finish 11th of 16 - whereas York were, erm, relegated.
Jimmy closes in on the leader
FEBRUARY Player of the Month Jim Elston has closed the gap to March winner Jason Golden in the Evening Press/Collier Plant Hire Player of the Year standings.
Two-try Elston was man of the match (3pts) in last week's loss at Halifax and thus narrowed Golden's lead to two points.
Big-hitting Aussie Dave Buckley (2pts) was not mistake-free but was always in the thick of the action at the Shay and so moves up the table, while the remainder went to Rob Spicer (1pt) for his usual gutsy efforts at centre.
Latest Evening Press/Collier Plant Hire Player of the Year standings: Golden 14pts, Elston 12, Law 8, Rhodes 7, Blaymire 5, Farrell 5, Spicer 5, Buckley 4, Bates 3, Smith 3, Hasty 2, O'Loughlin 2, Forsyth 1, Bovill 1.
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