YORK City Knights chairman Jon Flatman is only too happy for head coach James Ford to continue his work with the England Academy – believing it brings more kudos to the on-the-up club.

Ford, currently regarded as one of the brightest young bosses in the British game, became the Knights’ first-ever full-time coach in July when the club board tied him down to a new improved contract until the end of 2021.

He had already been appointed England Academy assistant-coach in May, in addition to his duties in the Minster city, and, while that second role takes up a “considerable” amount of the 36-year-old’s time, Flatman reckoned the benefits far outweighed the drawbacks.

Ahead of England Academy’s clash with the Australian Schoolboys at Leigh Sports Village this afternoon (2pm), Flatman said he was delighted with the work Ford was doing for both club and country.

“It (Ford’s England Academy role) is recognition for the achievements he’s made and it’s an accolade for the club to have someone there,” he reasoned.

“The time commitment is considerable but we’re happy for him to do that for both James’ development and the benefits it brings to the club.”

Ford – the League One Coach of the Year after taking York to a stunning title triumph - has also received praise from England Academy chief Dave Elliott, the former Warrington forward who has been involved with the set-up since 2010.

Elliott said of the upcoming two-match series: “Games against the Australian Schoolboys are always special, and we’re all really looking forward to what’s coming up in the next couple of weeks.

“The lads are also lucky to have a couple of outstanding coaches who have been released by their clubs to work with the squad in James Ford, who has done such a great job with York over the last couple of years, and Jamie Langley, who has made a terrific start to his transition from playing to coaching with London Broncos.

“I’m really enjoying working with both of them, and hopefully they’re also enjoying and benefiting from this experience.”