YORK City Knights chief executive Steve Ferres was hopeful two new players will be at Huntington Stadium come next Tuesday.

Ferres told the Evening Press today that he was nearing an agreement with Dewsbury Rams for former York Wasps winger Leigh Deakin, while a second - as yet unnamed - player might also sign on the dotted line early next week.

As revealed by the Evening Press two weeks ago, Deakin was keen to return to Huntington Stadium but a sticking point had been the fee demanded by the Rams.

The Press also revealed on Monday that Ferres was closing in on a "proven try-scorer with Super League experience", and the Knights chief today said he was hopeful that deal would also soon be concluded.

"We're talking to Dewsbury and are hopeful of reaching a deal on Monday as regards Leigh," said Ferres.

"We're also hoping a deal will be done and dusted on Tuesday for another player."

The Press believes this player is an outside back who has been playing rugby union. "He has been talking to other clubs but I think we can get him here," added Ferres.

The Knights have also revealed they have not ruled out more 6pm kick-off times in the wake of the successful early-evening start to the Knights' National League opener against Gateshead on Good Friday.

Ferres said no decisions would be taken without full consultation with the fans, but said the 1,300 gate for the Gateshead game - by far the highest in National League Two on the day - had been noted.

"We've taken that on board and we might look at trying it again at some stage in the season, but we need to get feedback from the fans first," he said.

"It was a great response for the last home game. It was on the Easter weekend and the late kick-off gave people the chance to do what they wanted to do on the day and then go to the match and make an evening of it, and it proved a success.

"We will consider experimenting with it for a Sunday but we will get feedback from the fans first."

He added: "It's imperative the fans are on our side and believing in what we're doing. The decision has got to come from them so we need to ask some questions and find out if 6pm is the preferred time."

Updated: 11:11 Saturday, April 26, 2003