SPEEDY hooker Jim Elston and utility ace Jonny Liddell had little hesitation in pinpointing York City Knights' goals next season - bouncing back up to National League One.

Both players have signed new one-year deals and add to an already strong-looking NL2 squad.

Specifically, it means boss Mick Cook will have selection headaches at hooker, with Elston, Liddell and Jamaine Wray all adept number nines.

Elston, who hopes to return to training by Christmas following his major knee operation, said: "York are a good club, I'm happy there, the coaching staff are good, the infrastructure's there, and the fans are there.

"I had offers from other clubs in NL1, which kept me from making my decision straight away as I want to continue playing at a higher level. But when it came down to it, I felt quite loyal to York.

"They've been good to me, and I want to repay them and help them get back to NL1."

The Press understands Elston, 26, also had the option of signing for Wakefield, with whom he works as a development officer. Part of those negotiations depended on the Wildcats being relegated to NL1, though there was still an offer on the table after they escaped Super League's trapdoor.

But staying at York proved a more attractive proposition. Elston said: "What made my decision easier was the quality of players that have stayed - people like Rob Spicer, Scott Rhodes and Dan Potter.

"On paper we've already got a side that's good enough to compete, and signings like Ryan McDonald and Cakacaka add to it - if we had players like that in our pack this year we probably would have stayed up."

He added: "The squad Mick Cook has put together is a good one, and with Jamaine there as well, and Jonny Liddell signing again, it means it will be a challenge just to get in the team.

"No place is guaranteed, and that keeps players on their toes. It's down to each individual being the best they can be. We all get on off the field and, while we all want to be first choice, if it takes the club forward then it's good."

Liddell, the Knights' only ever-present this season, said deciding to stay was not difficult.

"Playing for my home-town club is great and I didn't really want to move anywhere," he said.

"I'm a York lad, I know a lot of people who watch the games. It's ideal for me and I want to be part of a successful squad that gets promoted again."

The 24-year-old, who played in numerous positions in addition to hooker, added: "I will play anywhere Mick wants me to play. There is already competition for places and it's good because it makes people work harder for the squad."

Knights chief executive John Guildford reckoned Elston and Liddell were "great acquisitions for the club".

He said: "We all know how good Jimbo is. Hopefully the plan we had this season will come good, with him and Jamaine working in tandem ripping it up."