YORK City Knights boss James Ford insists the squad numbers given out to his players tonight will not necessarily resemble the team he picks to start the 2019 season.

The players were introduced to Knights supporters at the Fans' Forum event at the club's Haxby Road training base, and handed their shirt numbers for the coming campaign.

Ford says the lower numbers from one to 17 are reward for players' efforts hitherto - but he stressed that everyone in the squad could be selected as first choices come the big kick-off at home to title favourites Toronto Wolfpack on February 3.

Meanwhile, the head coach has confirmed that Tim Spears will continue as captain - unsurprisingly given his influence last season prior to lifting the Betfred League One silverware.

Asked if the new squad numbers hinted at his first-choice line-up, Ford said: "No, I would say it's reward for their efforts in training.

"There is maybe only one significant change (from last season) - and that's based on how well Matt Chilton has trained and what he brings to us on and off the field.

"Numbers will not influence my decision when it comes to selecting the team at the start of the season or each week thereafter. If I want to pick number 99 I will pick number 99."

Former York Acorn amateur Chilton, having had a trial with the Knights 12 months ago, signed pro forms on transfer deadline day in late July.

He went on to score five tries in five outings - including a memorable double against Whitehaven on the final day to help seal the League One title - and penned a new two-year deal in October, underlining Ford's confidence that the 21-year-old can cut it at Championship level too.

That trust has been further highlighted by the fact he has been given the number five shirt, with fellow winger Judah Mazive - a candidate for the League One Young Player of the Year award - handed number 21.

Ford reasoned: "Matt finished the season in good form and in the 17 - and he got those two tries in the last game. He proved to be very reliable and professional and he's trained to a good level.

"It's more about what he's done rather than what anybody else has not done."

Elsewhere, Matty Marsh, who shone at full-back on dual-reg from Hull KR last term before agreeing a permanent switch in the off-season, has been given the number one jersey, with Ash Robson switching to number two having played much of last season on the wing.

Said Ford: "Matty can play at full-back or half-back. Ash can play full-back or wing. We've got versatility in our squad.

"The numbers won't decide who plays where come round one or beyond."

Meanwhile, on keeping former Featherstone skipper Spears as York captain, Ford said: "Tim did a formidable job last year and there's no reason to change it.

"I need to have a chat with the players and the coaching staff and we will announce a vice-captain or vice-captains in the near future.

"There are a couple of obvious candidates who have done the job before and captained the team.

"I see a number of this team becoming captain material in the future if not already."

York City Knights 2018 squad numbers

1 Matty Marsh, 2 Ash Robson, 3 Liam Salter, 4 Brad Hey, 5 Matt Chilton, 6 Ben Cockayne, 7 Connor Robinson, 8 Ronan Dixon, 9 Will Jubb, 10 Jack Teanby, 11 Josh Jordan-Roberts, 12 Sam Scott, 13 Tim Spears (captain), 14 Harry Carter, 15 Graeme Horne, 16 Jack Blagbrough, 17 Joe Porter, 18 shirt number retired in memory of supporters, 19 Mike Kelly, 20 Perry Whiteley, 21 Judah Mazive, 22 Marcus Stock, 23 Jason Bass, 24 Kevin Brown.