BUOYANT chairman Jon Flatman is "excited" about York City Knights' prospects in 2019.

The Betfred League One champions returned to pre-season training this week and Flatman is looking ahead with confidence as they prepare for life in the Betfred Championship.

“I’m very excited for the future of this club,” said chairman Flatman, as he looked ahead to the release of next season's fixtures on November 25.

“2019 will see us compete with traditional worldwide renowned rugby league clubs who are visiting our great city to take on our club.

“Toronto Wolfpack’s second visit to York will bring back memories of our 2017 victory over their high quality playing roster - the first club to do so in league competition.

"Widnes as a 2018 Super League club will bring a passionate following and a team packed full of stars with points to prove.

"Bradford, as former World Club Champions and more recently great rivals of ours will always prove a tough test.

“Attendances will rise and we must enjoy the experience. Every game will be at a level of excitement greater than the previous year.”

Flatman is keen for the Knights to progress on and off the field, and he added: “We are on a journey and will continually strive hard to improve all areas of the organisation.

"We are positive but not unrealistic about where we are at and where we can get to.”