YORK City Knights were forced to introduce a new away kit on Sunday following problems getting the all-white strip clean, writes Peter Martini.

The new strip, which reverses the sky blue and navy sections of the popular home shirt, was debuted in the defeat at Hull KR.

Chief executive Steve Ferres explained: "We've had a problem getting the other away strip clean, and we agreed with the manufacturer to bring in a new strip.

"We weren't happy as it did not portray the image we wanted of a quality club.

"Kukri (kit manufacturers) weren't happy with it either and they were very responsive to changing it."

Ferres said he would be happy to speak to anyone who had bought a replica white top to discuss the problem. "If anyone who has bought a white away shirt is concerned I ask them to contact me through the Knights club office (01904 656105)."

He added: "We won't be scrapping the white kit entirely, it's there as an option if there are any kit clashes. It might also become a collectors' item."

Meanwhile, the Knights are awaiting a doctor's verdict on Jonny Firth's arm injury.

The Aussie stand-off was forced off early in Sunday's match after apparently rupturing a bicep. He received hospital treatment and was due to go back today for further assessment. At this stage it is not known how long he will be out for but he will almost certainly miss Sunday's visit of Sheffield.

Graeme Hallas, Darren Robinson and Scott Fletcher also picked up knocks on Sunday and will be assessed at training tonight.

Updated: 11:12 Tuesday, March 25, 2003