JAMES Ford says that talks are underway in regards to both recruitment and retention as he outlined his plans for the squad in 2020.

York City Knights have enjoyed an incredible campaign in 2019 after marching to second in the Betfred Championship table with just six rounds of action left, following on from their promotion from League 1 last term.

Head coach Ford has admitted that several of his players have attracted interest from elsewhere, and has called on the club’s fans to support the club as best they can to improve the quality of their recruitment.

““Obviously we are happy to be where we are at this stage of the season, but we need to always strive to be better” said Ford.

“This presents new challenges as the current squad now have a well-earned higher profile, they have proven that they can play consistently at a high level, and naturally other clubs have taken notice.

“Talks for 2020 are underway with regards to both player retention and recruitment.

“It’s a promising start but the sooner we can finalise our playing budget obviously the better.

“We are doing our best to provide a number of our current players with contract upgrades that they have worked hard to earn, while also looking across the three English divisions and overseas for talent that will add quality to our squad at the right price.

“We are on with it but it is difficult.

“York is a club with great potential and it deserves the largest support possible. That support will hopefully be reflected in the quality of our squad for 2020.”

The Knights’ early bird season ticket campaign remains on offer to supporters with a deadline of July 31st for purchase.

Midday today is also the final time for supporters to register their two extra free tickets for this Sunday’s league match against Bradford Bulls at Bootham Crescent (3pm kick-off).

Supporters to contact the club at info@yorkcityknights.com or 01904 876850 to do so.

On the injury front, the club also yesterday confirmed that wigner Judah Mazive has been ruled out for the rest of the season after undergoing surgery on his shoulder last week.

Mazive has played a dozen times for the Knights this season, scoring four tries.

Prop Graeme Horne will learn more about the severity of his knee injury later this week after sustaining the injury during Sunday’s 14-14 draw with Batley.