DAVE WOODS is determined to bring a winning culture to Huntington Stadium – and continue his remarkable record in British rugby league.

As exclusively revealed on thepress.co.uk, the Australian has joined York City Knights as director of rugby.

It will be his third job in English club rugby, having taken both Castleford and minnows Gateshead to promotion, as coach, in his two other posts. And he says going up again is his target with the Knights, regardless of their inconsistent start to Championship One.

“I like to win and I hate to lose anything,” said the 45-year-old, who started out in coaching on Penrith Panthers’ backroom staff.

“We want to be winning games and the goal is to be promoted. I’m sure we can all work hard towards it.”

Woods’ position with Gateshead ended acrimoniously after he had turned them from wooden spoon contenders to 2008 National League Two (Championship One) champions. He was sacked for an alleged breach of discipline over financial irregularities – something he strenuously denies. He countered by suing for unfair dismissal, though the matter has been complicated by the Tyneside club going into administration and altering the board.

He also had little luck with Cas after taking them back to Super League in his one year with the club. They decided they wanted a higher profile boss for the top tier.

“I’ve been treated pretty poorly by other clubs and I’ve been a bit miserable because I wanted to get back into it,” said the Aussie, who is still based in Gateshead. “I’m glad to be able to do that with York.”

Since leaving the Thunder he has been employed by the Rugby Football League as Great Britain Community Lions Under-18s coach – a job he will continue doing – while also helping with coaching at Super League giants St Helens. He is good friends with Saints boss Mick Potter.

Woods said: “The RFL gave me backing with the Great Britain appointment, and working with GB is great, but it will be good to get back to the weekly grind at a club, every week having the pressure of a game – I like all that stuff.

“I’ve really missed it. I’ve spent a fair bit of time at St Helens, but I’ve missed the week-to-week stuff and the daily hands-on stuff.

“I work very hard and do a lot of tactical things with players and I like to make sure they’re a happy squad.

“They’ve got a good start at York. Every time I’ve been there as a coach it’s been tough. I hope with my experience I can make it a bit better.”

He added: “I’ve been to the city a few times and I love the place. From a rugby league perspective, it’s always been a difficult place for other clubs to play.

“I had a good relationship with (former chairman) Roger Dixon and I know it’s a good family club. There is a good support base and hopefully we can bring more of them by playing good footy and winning games.”

Woods comes in above head coach James Ratcliffe and reckons they can work together.

“James is a good bloke and a good coach,” he said. “Chris Thorman (player/assistant-coach) has been around the block and knows what he’s doing. I don’t know Mick Ramsden (assistant-coach) well, but he wouldn’t be in the position he is if he’s not good for the club.

“It takes a good team of coaches to win anything as well as a good team of players.”