Updated: DAVE WOODS has lauded York City Knights’ squad builder fund – and the club’s supporters – after it played a key part in star hooker Jack Lee agreeing a new two-year deal.

The Press understands the 22-year-old was all set to sign for Championship play-off contenders Sheffield until extra cash from this new fund – set up only six weeks ago – helped the Knights to offer comparable terms.

As revealed yesterday, the 2010 Press Player of the Year instead then put pen to paper on a contract keeping him at Huntington Stadium for another two years.

Woods said: “It’s thanks to the squad builder fund that we were able to keep him. At one stage it looked like he was going.

“The support we’ve had this year from the fans has been great. You speak to most people and they all want York City Knights to do well. It doesn’t surprise me that they are trying to help with the fund too.

“At the end of the day we’re one big group. It’s not just the players or administrators or coaches. It’s everyone, not least the supporters. Everyone is involved in York City Knights.”

The Knights’ original offer to Lee for next season had been turned down, with the former Featherstone starlet looking set to accept terms at Sheffield.

But Woods then asked the squad builder fund committee – comprising Knights general manager Ian Wilson and fans Simon Hall and Andy Gomersall – to top up the Knights’ offer.

Lee therefore became the first player to effectively be signed thanks to fans’ squad builder donations, which, as previously outlined by The Press, are ring-fenced for team recruitment and are administered outside of the Knights’ own accounts.

Wilson said all the signs were that the fund would be a big boon to the club, and he hoped Lee’s retention would show fans it worked.

He also admitted to being surprised at the amount already donated, even though the fund only became operational less than a month ago, with the first donation having come in just after the Toulouse game on July 9.

Money for the fund has also come from programme and Pot of Gold raffle sales on the last couple of home match-days, but the rest is made up by donations.

Individual amounts that have been donated remain confidential but The Press understands that about 15 have already come in, while the unofficial supporters’ club are also set to contribute £1,250 following various fundraising events.

Wilson said: “The response has been brilliant and I think a fair bit more will come in over the coming months when season tickets are renewed.

“It’s been surprisingly good, especially when it’s been going a month and in these tough economic times. We are very grateful fans are getting behind it and it shows their love for the club.

“It’s good news that Jack’s signed on – it shows what power the squad builder fund can have going forward.”

Supporters are urged to add to the pot where possible – either through fundraising or digging into their pockets – by sending cheques, made payable to YCK Squad Builder Fund, to York City Knights, Roland Court, Huntington Road, York, YO32 9PW, or via bank transfers and standing orders. Phone the club on 01904 767404 for account details.