FORMER York City Knights boss Gary Thornton has been appointed as the permanent head coach of Rochdale Hornets until the end of next season.

Thornton joined Rochdale as the club's assistant coach in December, since taking interim charge following the departure of Matt Calland in August.

During that time, the Hornets have secured their place in the Betfred League One play-offs, having finished fifth. They beat rivals Oldham 38-24 in the elimination semi-final on Sunday.

Rochdale continue their play-off bid at the semi-finals stage away to North Wales Crusaders on Saturday (5.30pm).

Thornton took charge of York during the 2013 and 2014 seasons, with the former seeing the Knights relegated from the Championship before an unsuccessful immediate promotion attempt from Championship One in the latter, being knocked out in the preliminary final of the play-offs.