PRE-SEASON training for the Knights started 48 weeks ago and on Sunday we have a chance to achieve what we set out to do what seems like an age ago - get promotion.

There have been some incredible highs along the way, coupled with some low points, fortunately more good than bad.

The perfect way to round off the season would be to win Sunday's game at Widnes.

The stand-out moments for me would have to start with Alex Godfrey's try to win the cup-tie against all odds at Featherstone. That is a game that will long live in my memory.

Another was the reception we received after the Challenge Cup defeat at Huddersfield. The stadium was awash with blue and white and the backing the team received was incredible. This for a club that had been reborn only 18 months previously and just suffered a heavy defeat.

Last Sunday's semi-final win obviously lacked the excitement that a close game generates, but the sheer attitude of the players made the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end.

We have accused them of under-performing when the pressure has been on at times this year. Well, we were made to eat our words on Sunday.

I still hope that the best moment is yet to come.

Defeats are always low points, but in sport that is always going to happen. They never get any easier, but you have to learn how to handle it.

July saw us without a win, and it was a hard time, but in a way I learned more about myself as a coach, and us as a team in that month.

My thoughts of what we were doing were genuinely reinforced during that period.

The real low points came fairly early in the season with the news that Rich Hayes would have to give up. Rich is without doubt a very special person, one that until I had the chance to work with him I must admit I didn't realise how much he could do for a club.

We have invited Rich back for Sunday's final to be part of the backroom. His presence alone can lift people.

The Alex Godfrey saga left us without a fine player and a great character. We have missed him, and he's missing us. He will be back.

Whatever the result this coming Sunday, this will be my final game as coach of the Knights.

The club and people have been a major part of my life over the last 12 months. I have met many great people and my life has been enriched by knowing the Dixons, Guilfords, Halls, Seymours, Colliers, and many, many more, all of whose names I do not know.

I have had many well wishers and now it's my turn to wish everyone who has backed us this year the very best for the future.

If I could have a beer with each and everyone of you I would.

Thanks to every player who put on a Knights shirt this year.

The RL Raw programme on TV has made interesting viewing for spectators. For players and myself, I can tell you we cringe at what might be on.

It gives an interesting look behind the scenes, but what you must remember is that over the two-hour game period you will only see a tiny percentage of what happens and we really can be at the editor's mercy.

Thankfully our language wasn't too colourful last week, although this week I will be making sure my gran isn't watching. Please accept my apologies in advance.

This will be my final column in the Press, so thanks for reading. Next year I will look forward to reading the Cook Report.

Good luck to everyone, I hope we can do it, and thanks for a great year. Keep behind the Knights.

Updated: 11:06 Wednesday, October 06, 2004