York City Knights squad building work begins (From York Press)

York City Knights squad building work begins

11:33am Saturday 9th July 2011 in Diary By Peter Martini, peter.martini@thepress.co.uk

York City Knights’ new squad builder fund is officially up and running – in a timely boost just as the club begins to turn an eye to recruitment for the 2012 season.

It is that time of year again when clubs, coaches and fans begin to debate which players should be retained, which could be brought in and how best to spend budgets.

Indeed, The Press revealed this week that initial talks with at least one player whose contract is coming to an end, young Ed Smith, had already begun.

This column now hopes that this new fund will prove a boon for all concerned, even in these tough economic times.

As revealed by The Press last month, the fund was being set up to specifically support the recruitment and/or retention of players, in addition to money already in set aside in the club’s budget.

It is ring-fenced cash to be used only as extra income for players if and when required, and it will sit in a bank account independent to that of the club.

To underline its independence, the squad builder fund will be administrated by three people – one from the club in general manager Ian Wilson, and two supporters in Simon Hall and Andrew Gomersall. They will be responsible for banking/issuing monies when required.

News that the fund was in the pipeline was revealed by The Press during the fall-out over the Nathan Massey affair, when the club explained one of the reasons they could not bring the Castleford prop back on loan to Huntington Stadium was due to finances.

“This year is the most we have ever spent on players, and we are doing the best we can to support the coach, but without additional income our hands are tied,” said a Knights statement at the time.

This fund will hopefully go at least a little way to easing that situation.

Just how successful it will be remains to be seen, especially during a time when, due to the economic climate, purse strings have to be kept tight, not least among the very people – the supporters – who are to furnish it.

However, given that fans can donate as little or as much as they like, or take part in fundraising activity as little or as much as they like, the scheme becomes an attractive no-lose proposition.

If it helps to bring in just one player on coach Dave Woods’ wanted list, then it can be called worthwhile.

Wilson stressed the club had set no target on how much they wanted this fund to raise, so as not to put pressure on anyone.

However, he did warn against the danger that this fund could simply replace the club’s other income streams rather than add to them.

Wilson said: “I must stress any donations to the squad builder fund should not be at the expense of current payments to the club, such as vice-presidencies, season tickets or a Lancealotto subscription, as this would leave us short in other areas and reduce the playing budget that the club is able to set.”

The club have promised to put profits from match-day programme sales and Pot of Gold raffle sales to the squad builder fund. It is anticipated that money raised by the independent supporters’ club will also add to his new account.

Fans can donate as and when they want and can set up a monthly standing order.

To make a donation, send a cheque, made payable to ‘YCK Squad Builder Fund’, to the club address, York City Knights, Roland Court, Huntington Road, York, YO32 9PW. Bank transfers will also be possible – contact the club on 01904 767404 for account details.

Wilson added: “Fans able to add to the fund are urged to do so as soon as possible to help the club with our recruitment for 2012.”

TALKING of raising money for good causes, the York City Knights Foundation is the chosen charity for the year for Sainsbury’s at Monks Cross.

Representatives from the Foundation, which helps to provide active sessions and health advice for youngsters across the region, and Sainsbury’s, as well as club mascot Norris the Knight were at the store this week to launch the new partnership.

FORMER Knight Tom Lineham had another podium finish in the Sprint Challenge at the Carnegie Floodlit 9s this week.

Lineham came third when representing the Knights, as a 17-year-old, in the same race in 2009.

Now signed to Hull and looking to win a Super League contract for next year, he ended in the same spot, behind Salford’s Jodie Broughton and Leeds’ Ben Jones-Bishop.

Family fun day to hopefully bolster turn-out

THE Knights aren’t expecting a massive crowd tonight given that Toulouse don’t bring many away supporters, plus the fact it’s John Smith’s Cup day over at York racecourse.

But they are hoping for a decent turnout, especially of youngsters, having made the occasion their annual family fun day.

The Knights always check that fixtures do not clash with either the races or York City matches, but they were unable to switch this match. Toulouse only play on Saturdays due to travelling reasons and the fact part-time players and staff have to be back in the south of France for work on Monday mornings.

Traditionally they pick family fun days around matches at which bumper crowds aren’t expected, to boost the attendances and provide room for kids to play.

Today, kids go free and there are cut-price offers for adults on 15,000 leaflets that have been distributed around the city.

The usual free attractions will be there, from bouncy castles and an inflatable assault course to face painting and tag rugby, with all the fun (including Bar 13 being open) starting at 3.30pm.

Roll up for ladies’ Knight

A FEW tickets are still available for the forthcoming Ladies’ Knight in Bar 13 at Huntington Stadium.

As this column bashfully reported a few weeks ago, a special night has been arranged for next Friday, July 15, to feature a drag queen, male strippers and a fun-filled disco.

The highlight of it all, where amused rugby fans are concerned, will be a topless slave auction of some of the Knights’ stars.

A pre-show Ann Summers party kicks off proceedings at 7.30pm before the real event at 8.30pm.

Tickets for the evening are £10 per person or £100 for a table of ten including two bottles of wine and nibbles.

Doors open at 7pm and for more information, or to book tickets, phone 01904 767404.