DANNY RATCLIFFE says he will miss running out in front of York City Knights’ supporters after ending his three-year spell at the club.

Ratcliffe, who as vice-captain jointly lifted the Championship One play-off trophy a month ago, yesterday signed for arch-rivals Hunslet, the Championship One champions.

The move was not unexpected – he was offered more money and has moved to a club closer to his Dewsbury home – but it will still sadden York fans who were hopeful the popular full-back-cum-half-back would remain at Huntington Stadium.

Ratcliffe was quick to praise those supporters, and also passed on thanks to the club and his sponsor, the Raylor Centre, for providing the “best three years of my rugby career”.

“If it wasn’t for York I wouldn’t be where I am now,” he told The Press.

“I’ll be looking forward to playing over there. I hope I get a good reception.

“I’ve tried to give 100 per cent in every game for myself, the club and the fans. It will be sad not running out in front of them every week but it’s one of those things.

“You can’t ask for more off the York fans – win or lose they will be behind you.”

Ratcliffe missed only one match in his debut season at York, in 2008, after joining from Dewsbury. He missed only six in 2009 and again only one this year, often playing strapped up. In total, he scored 49 tries and 62 goals in 79 appearances.

He admitted he had a difficult first half to this season after seeing many of his team-mates leave for Hunslet last winter and then his uncle, James Ratcliffe, sacked as Knights coach in June.

He said: “I was not enjoying it at first as a lot of my mates had left and I was travelling over by myself after working all day, but James asked me to knuckle down and I started enjoying it again.

“His departure knocked me back a bit but these things happen and to finish on a high was brilliant. That was my goal while at York – to get promoted.”

The 23-year-old now adds to the mass exodus of players from York to south Leeds that began over a year ago – following player-coach Paul March – and restarted this autumn with Knights club captain Richard Blakeway and his former vice-captain, Joe McLocklan, also joining the Hawks.

Ratcliffe reckons both clubs can stay in the Championship given the squads they are assembling.

He added: “I’ve left mates at York but I’m going to a club where I also have a lot of mates. I’d like both teams to stay up.”

The Knights are already covered at full-back, with James Haynes and Sam Lynch having penned deals for 2011.

A club statement said: “Danny was made an offer immediately after the Grand Final. Unfortunately the club were unable to match the players’ financial demands and after careful consideration Danny decided to sign with Hunslet.

“Danny leaves with the best wishes of everyone at the Knights and we’d like to thank him for his efforts over the last three seasons.”