HEAD coach James Ford says York City Knights are "exploring" the possibility of keeping Matty Marsh in the Minster city.

Marsh - who played 12 times for the Knights this year on dual-reg from Hull KR, including in most of the key victories which led Ford's team to the Betfred League One title - has been released by the Robins and is currently a free agent.

York supporters would be eager to see the 23-year-old full-back/half-back bolster their squad on a permanent basis for their assault on the Championship next year - and so, it would seem, is Ford.

"In the time Matty has played at York, I've felt we've built a positive relationship," said the League One Coach of the Year.

"I've enjoyed working with him - I have a lot of respect for Matty as a person and a player.

"It would be great if we could do something to bring in a player of his calibre."

Marsh, who scored 10 tries in those 12 appearances for York, also played six times for Super League side Rovers, notching three tries.

Ford added: "Matty will be in demand and I don't want to make any promises but it's certainly worth exploring."

Nine of the squad that ended the 2018 season at York are signed on for next year - namely League One Player of the Year Connor Robinson, fellow nominee Ben Cockayne, Brad Hey, Ronan Dixon, Josh Jordan-Roberts, Harry Carter, Will Jubb, Ash Robson and Joe Porter.