JAMES FORD has said that his relationship chairman Jon Flatman “has never been stronger” as York City Knights returned to winning ways at the weekend.

York ended their six-game losing streak in the Betfred Championship with a 46-10 victory over Swinton Lions to alleviate some faint pressure about the club’s closeness to the relegation zone.

The Knights’ run in the league was one of the longest periods without a win seen under head coach Ford, who has been in charge since 2015.

Despite that, Ford says that he has still had the full backing of the York hierarchy.

“It’s been really hard, but I’ve chosen to do this and I’ll learn from this,” he said of the club’s recent form and challenges posed by injury and coronavirus-related absentees this year.

“There will probably be another period in my coaching career where I’m met by challenges that I’d never expected to come up against.

“I’ve learned about myself and the people around me. And the relationship between Jon (Flatman) and I has never been stronger.

“I’m really pleased and proud of the support that he’s given us.”

York’s long wait for a league win coincided with numerous injuries and coronavirus-related absentees through the spine of the team, at full-back, half-back and hooker.

So it was no surprise that when star players, such as Matty Marsh and Corey Johnson, returned to key positions that fans were able to see the best of the Knights in attack.

“I have bordered on making excuses and we pride ourselves on not making excuses,” Ford said of the issue.

“Playing games when you want to have five in your team - hookers, half-backs, full-backs. You can get by with four, maybe three.

“But on occasions we’ve had none or one or two and tat has had an impact.

“Matty Marsh came in on the right edge and as a running threat, he’s threatening and has found a couple of try passes. Defensively he can cover ground more effectively.

“On the left, Mikey has been busy and is a running threat and caused problems on that edge as well.

“When you factor in Will Jubb, and his deception, smartness, intelligence, and Corey Johnson and his running threat and ability to find passes on the back of some chaos unfolding, we’ve got much more threat about us and we knew that would be the case.

“It’s been a case of, getting through this period and when we do, enjoy what those guys are serving up in crucial positions.”

Further to the returns of Marsh and Johnson last week, Ford may have further positive team news as several players look set to return from coronavirus-related issues for the trip to Sheffield Eagles on Sunday (4.30pm).

“Riley (Dean), Jacob Gannon and Brendan O’Hagan are all out of isolation,” said Ford.

“Riley and Jacob have got a seven-day return protocol to do.

“(Ryan) Atkins, (Liam) Salter and James Green I think will be out of isolation in a few days or so and Danny Washbrook comes out of isolation shortly.

“Being honest, this Covid situation is a mess. But one positive is that nearly everyone here has had it so, the way I understand it, they can’t get it again in the short-term.”

The Knights will also keep tabs on back Jason Bass who suffered a hamstring injury against Swinton.