JAMES FORD has revealed that his phone has not stopped ringing from potential successors to departing assistant coach Brett Delaney.

The York City Knights number two was unveiled as leaving for Betfred Super League side Hull KR next week, following the trip to Halifax Panthers on Monday night (7.45pm).

Delaney was set to make the move at the end of the season, but the switch was accelerated by the sacking of Tony Smith on Monday.

The Australian’s exit leaves a hole in the Knights’ backroom staff and, discussing potential replacements for Delaney, head coach Ford said: “I’ve had a number of conversations and I’ll continue to have conversations.

“My phone has not stopped beeping really.

“You do need support staff and we’ve got good support staff in Will Leatt (assistant coach), James Metcalfe (strength and conditioning coach) and Bianca (Nixon, physiotherapist). Plus, I’ve got some really key senior players.

“We’re looking and we’ve got some people in mind. They’ve got to be a fit for the club and Clint (Goodchild, chairman) as well as me. Wheels are in motion.

“But, in the short-term, I’ll cover the lion’s share of the preparation and delivery, so we’re cracking on as normal. I’ve just not got Frog (Delaney) at the side of me ready to go, if needed.”

While Delaney’s exit comes before originally planned and ahead of the run-in to third-placed York’s bid for a Betfred Championship play-off place, Ford insists that he will well-positioned to cope with the change.

He said: “I wouldn’t say it puts more pressure or workload on me. I’ve really appreciated getting to know Frog, I think he’s improved as a coach in his time with us.

“I completely understand why he wants to move into a full-time environment and he’s done it in the right way.

“He leaves with our best wishes. He’s going to be at the game on Monday and we want to send him off in the right way because we think the world of him and hope it goes well for him at Hull KR.”