JAMES FORD has said that he is "hopeful" Joe Porter will stay at York City Knights for the 2022 season.

Porter suffered an ACL injury for York in July which ruled him out for the remainder of the year.

Last week, the forward was not named in the club's squad numbers for next season and he is yet to sign a contract extension with the Knights.

Head coach Ford however revealed that he has been in regular conversation with the former York Acorn amateur and that the door is by no means closed on his return.

“Joe Porter is cracking on with his knee rehab," said Ford. "The knee injury that he picked up was a little bit more complicated than a straight ACL.

“I think he damaged his meniscus as well. I’m certainly no surgeon, but apparently that made it a little bit more of a challenge.

“But Ports is cracking on with it. I spoke to Joe a couple of times last week about what he wants to do going forward and I’m hopeful that Joe wants to stay around the club.

“If he does, I’ll speak to Jon (Flatman) and I’ll try and get that sorted. I think that Joe is ready to play around the back end of March.

“If Joe wants to go again and he’s ready to go, then hopefully we can get him sorted."

Speaking about the attributes of Porter, who joined the club in 2017, Ford said: “Joe brings a massive amount of energy and he’s a York lad who loves playing for the club.

"I think the York supporters love watching him play for the club as well. I’ve really enjoyed coaching him too.

"He brings a different type of challenge compared to some of the other players but he’s somebody that I’ve absolutely loved working with and if we get the chance to do so again, then we would.”

Elsewhere, Ford confirmed that Kieran Dixon, Liam Salter and Adam Cuthbertson have all departed the club following the expiration of their deals.

Former London Broncos winger Dixon is believed to have taken an opportunity with Premiership rugby union club Sale Sharks.

Ex-Hull KR back Salter is understood to have retired while trade media reports have linked Cuthbertson with a move to a club in Betfred League One.