HEAD coach James Ford reckons Tim Spears will play a "huge role" in how York City Knights handle the Betfred Championship - after it was confirmed the club's captain marvel was staying another year.

Ford even compared Spears to legendary former Leeds and Great Britain forward Jamie Peacock as regards what he brings to the club "on and off the field".

Spears, 34, was one of the first players to sign for the Knights revolution under the then new owner Jon Flatman nearly two years ago, and he has since been an influential figure in their rise to becoming League One champions this year.

Although out of contract this autumn, he suggested to The Press after lifting the trophy that he would be keen to lead the Amber and Blacks back into the second tier in 2019 - and Ford made it clear the club wanted him to stay too.

Ford said: "I'm delighted Tim is going round again. The leadership qualities he brings to this club are immensely important and central to the progress we’ve made. He demands the absolute maximum from everyone around him and his mentality is infectious.

"Tim is still very much focused on being better and that philosophy is a York City Knights trait."

Spears' Championship knowhow will also be important next year. He previously skippered Featherstone to four consecutive League Leaders Shields from 2010 to 2013, the Championship Shield in 2015 and a place in the Middle 8s in 2016 prior to his move to York.

He made 23 appearances for the Knights in 2017, scoring three tries, and 24 this year, scoring six, as he led the side to success.

Ford said: "I spoke to Tim throughout last season gauging whether he wanted to go around again.

"It was never a question from the club's perspective. We really value what he does.

"My impressions were Tim wanted to play again, which was a positive, and it was just a case of managing performances and, if I'm honest, I think he got better as the season went on.

"Once we knew what division we were in (in 2019), we tried to tie him down and I'm really pleased he's staying. He's got a huge role to play in the future of the club as it continues to progress."

He added: "I'd imagine there would have been plenty of interest in him, as there would be in many of our players. It's not something I asked him.

"Players generally are really happy at York. It's a club going in the right direction with outstanding facilities.

"It's not often a player moves on that we want to keep, so I was confident we would be able to keep him here."

Spears will turn 35 next summer but, asked if he reckoned the workaholic veteran could last the course again and play as a big a role on the field as this term, Ford said: "Without hesitation, yes.

"It's his mentality, his grit, desire, leadership.

"He reminds me of Jamie Peacock - and he was playing to nearly 40.

"I'm not saying Tim's quite as good a player as Jamie Peacock but there are lots of similar traits between them regarding what they bring on and off the field.

"I don't think he's got plans in the short or medium term to hang up his boots.

"His experience and leadership is immense, regardless of who we play.

"More importantly, how he sets and maintains standards is huge.

"Whether you're a member of staff, a player, a volunteer, you have to hit certain standards and if you don't, he's not shy in letting people know, and it doesn't matter who you are, which is great.

"For the club and for our future and progression, we're going to need that this year."

Spears said of his new deal: “I’m truly delighted to be staying at the club for another year.

"York have been great with me since my arrival and it was a very straightforward decision to extend my time here.

"The team has improved out of sight and we had a really special year last year.

"There’s a great feeling around the place and I’m really excited about the challenges that the 2019 Championship will bring."