HEAD coach Mick Cook is confident he has the wares to take York City Knights forward in the wake of chief executive Steve Ferres' decision to quit.

And he reckons there is little doubt Ferres will return to rugby league in the not-too-distant future.

Cook and his staff will now have sole control over the crucial task of identifying and attracting players - one of Ferres' evident strengths - as well as coaching duties, and he reckons they have the experience to handle anything that is throw at them.

"There's no more pressure there," said Cook, who was an assistant-coach at Super League champions Leeds Rhinos before moving to Huntington Stadium.

"We've been in the game a bit ourselves and we know about players and how to deal with players."

Cook's staff includes player consultant Daryl Powell, who doubles up as the Rhinos' director of rugby, former Great Britain international and ex-Knights head coach Paul Broadbent, and development officer Jason Ramshaw, one of the National League's best players in the last decade.

Cook added: "We've got enough experience on our coaching staff to handle any situation thrown at us."

Ferres had played a key role in putting together the Knights' squad for 2005 but Cook was confident he can carry that on. Furthermore, Ferres may still have an input if and when his knowledge is called upon.

"When I came from Leeds I had only watched two National League games last year," explained Cook. "My knowledge of players in this division was limited and Steve's expertise has been invaluable.

"I've worked along with him but his knowledge of the players was far superior to mine. But now I'm in the competition and I can look around and see who's available.

"I can also have a look in Super League and see who may want to come and play in National League Two."

He added: "Steve's got a great knowledge of the game and of players and a lot of contacts.

"He will give his honest opinion regarding players and he will be there for advice. He will still be knocking about."

Cook knew last week about Ferres' decision to leave after York's first game of the 2005 season, away to Castleford on February 13.

He said: "I can understand the reasons behind it. He's worked a lot of hours, he runs a business as well, and he's got himself a bit burnt out working long hours for a long time. He just needs a break.

"I'm disappointed he's standing down, but he has his reasons.

"This sport and job can do that to you, and he puts everything into it. He needs to recharge his batteries and enjoy just watching the game again.

"I've known him a long time. He signed me for Sheffield in 1986, and I've had a long association with him.

"Knowing Steve, I can't see him keeping away too long. Once he gets frustrated about not having an active part at a club, he will probably be looking to get back in somewhere if not York."

As for the Knights as a whole, Cook was sure the club would keep growing. "Steve has put people in place to do specific jobs and I can't see the progression of the club stuttering," he said. "It will keep gaining momentum and keep going forward."

Updated: 10:39 Friday, February 04, 2005