A SHOCK sale of York City Knights has been completed by Jon Flatman to Australian businessman Clint Goodchild.

Negotiations between Flatman and Goodchild have been taking place for around 18 months, with the conversations between the pair first beginning prior to the outbreak of coronavirus.

The pandemic's travel restrictions brought several delays to the deal, which was eventually finalised by both parties over recent weeks.

The news will come as a huge surprise to many Knights fans given the success brought to the club since Flatman’s arrival in late 2016.

From the brink of closure, Flatman and head coach James Ford led York to the League One title in 2018 before securing a third-placed finish in the Championship in the following season.

Last year saw the Knights make their long-awaited move to the LNER Community Stadium and also feature at Wembley Stadium for the first time in 90 years in the 1895 Cup final.

Flatman said: “As chairman, I have done everything possible to drive change and improve the organisation.

“However, I am proud to now pass on the guardianship and ownership of the organisation to Clint Goodchild.

“Clint has undertaken extensive due diligence and has a growth plan for the club, a passion for the sport and full commitment to the inclusive ethos which has grown the club considerably over the past five years.

“Clint brings a wealth of sporting and rugby league knowledge to the club, alongside a drive to succeed and take the organisation to the next level.

“His encyclopaedic knowledge of the game and his sports entertainment background will aid the club and the sport in future years.”

Goodchild was raised in Western Queensland and is a lifelong Penrith Panthers and rugby league fan.

The 40-year-old, who moved to York prior to Christmas, has a background in business turnaround and has worked across several industries, such as hospitality, events, marketing and sports management.

Goodchild said: “I’m excited to find myself in the heartland of the game and I look forward to continuing the growing connection between the club and its community.”