YORK City Knights are unlikely to make any new signings ahead of the friendly against Doncaster Dragons a week tomorrow, according to chief executive Steve Ferres.

The Knights remain on the look-out for new blood to strengthen the 23-man squad, especially at prop and centre where numbers remain low, but Ferres said nothing was imminent.

"We've spoken to a couple of players but it's unlikely we will get anything in before the Doncaster game," he said.

"I would like to strengthen in a couple of positions still but it's a bit cat and mouse at present because there aren't many players about."

He added that the Knights' rivals in LHF Healthplan National League Two had recruited well, making for a competitive division.

He said: "Keighley have come down and will be strong, Blackpool (who take over from Chorley) have a strong squad with 29 players, Swinton have strengthened really well, Dewsbury have strengthened really well, Gateshead have upped the ante a bit, and Workington will be stronger. It will be a difficult league to get out of."

Updated: 10:51 Saturday, January 08, 2005