YORK City Knights have announced another retention for the 2020 season with prop forward Ronan Dixon signing a new deal with the club.

Dixon was a regular in the York forward pack last year, making 24 appearances for the Knights last season, scoring one try, as they secured a play-offs finish in the Betfred Championship upon their return.

The 22-year-old was one of James Ford’s first signings after Jon Flatman’s takeover of the club in 2017, initially joining from Wakefield Trinity on a deal to the end of the 2019 season.

The prop has been a virtual ever-present for the team since then, making a total of 59 appearances for the club and scoring a total of eight tries across his three seasons.

York head coach James Ford said: “Ronan has progressed at a pleasing rate, stepping up to the top of the Championship and having some good moments in key games."

"I believe Ronan has the potential, and attitude towards hard work and learning to kick on to the next level in the coming season.

“He has much better distribution skills than he realises and we’ll be looking forward to seeing a bit more play whilst not losing his intent in contact.”

Dixon: “I’ve loved my time at the Knights so far, so it was a no brainier to stay. The coaching staff believe in me to kick on and do well and I am confident I can repay that faith.

“We’ve got a good squad building up, and I’m looking forward to kicking on in only my second year in the Championship. It’s a massive opportunity for us at the Knights to kick on and hopefully reach Super League someday.”

Meanwhile, 25-year-old prop Jack Blagbrough has left the club to join Batley Bulldogs.

On Twitter, the club said: "The Knights would like to thank Jack for all his efforts in 2019 and wish him well for the future."

Elsewhere, York City Knights have also announced that their 2019 Awards Night and Gala Dinner, which is being held at York Racecourse, has sold out.

All proceeds from the night will go towards supporting the work of the club's Foundation.

Awards for Shooting Star, Players' Player, and Player of the Year (for both the mens and ladies team) will be given out.

Honours for Club Person of the Year and LDRL Player of the Year will also be handed out during the evening.