MANY people have already heaped acclamation on departed York City Knights chief executive Steve Ferres for his work in not only getting the club off the ground but also turning them into a highly-respected award-winning rugby league outfit.

He has now, at the outset of their third season, officially left Huntington Stadium and rugby league in general, although I doubt he will stay out of the game for long, with a number of clubs already reportedly considering an approach. His obvious passion for the game and attitude to work would be a great asset to anyone.

The Evening Press has, of course, reported the praise given to him by others, and indeed he must be thanked for his work in helping to provide us with a club to support and, for us at the Press, to report on.

This is an opportunity to now add a word or two from our own perspective.

Relationships between a professional sporting outfit and the local newspaper's sportsdesk are important for all concerned - to aid the profile of the club, to provide a service to fans and of course to relay news to the readership - and we are lucky to have a strong relationship with everyone at the Knights.

However, in the nature of this business, that relationship can, once in a while, be a little fraught on the occasions when interests and opinions are divided.

It is those occasions that can perhaps tell you more about the people you are dealing with than the times when all is rosy.

With Ferres, who was often the first point of call for us at the Press, while he made his point in no uncertain terms, there was no beating about the bush, no squabbling, no nonsense, just a frank, open, professional approach.

It was straight, forthright and honest, and, once the situation was resolved, there were no afters, no grudges and no problem. From our side at least there was just respect.

From what we could tell, this summed him up - frank, honest, professional, respected.

Most importantly, whether it be on those thankfully few fraught occasions or not, there was little doubt he had the Knights and their success in mind.

He will be a loss to the club - though on the bright side, from what we can tell, there are many frank, honest, professional and respected people still there at the helm endeavouring to do the city proud.

THE first round of matches in the 2005 Northern Rail National League Cup saw a marked increase in average match attendances.

Boosted by Sunday's impressive gate of 5,768 for the Knights' game at Castleford and the 3,012 turn-out for the West Cumbrian derby between Workington Town and Whitehaven at Derwent Park, there was a ten per cent increase in average crowds on the previous season.

The total number of spectators who went to the opening round matches in 2004 was 14,223 and last weekend 15,980 people braved the wintry weather to welcome the start of the 2005 season.

THE free buses put on by First York will again be running to Knights home matches from different areas of the city centre, starting with tomorrow's game against Hunslet Hawks.

Pick-up points and times are: 2pm Thanet Road (outside Emund Wilson Baths), 2.15pm Stonebow (outside Job Centre); 2pm Burton Stone Lane (Corner House), 2.15pm Lowther Street (outside shops); 2pm wait at Railway Station forecourt, departs 2.20pm.

Buses leave Huntington Stadium 15 minutes after the final hooter.

THE Knights have confirmed that the home Northern Rail Cup match against Castleford Tigers on March 20 will be at Huntington Stadium.

No decision has been made yet as to whether the game will be all-ticket. If it is, then existing season ticket holders will get priority for swapping their March voucher for a match ticket, at no extra cost.

Updated: 11:10 Saturday, February 19, 2005