FANS will be able to get their hands on York City Knights' new replica shirts at a special launch next Tuesday.

The away strip is certain to raise a few eyebrows as it is a departure from the club's main blue and white colours.

The 2005 Knights away shirt will be red, black and white.

Marketing manager David Gorwood explained that the Rugby Football League had introduced a new rule which stated that clubs had to have two distinctive kits in different colours for home and away games. The idea is to lessen the chances of a colour clash at matches.

The new shirts will be available at Huntington Stadium from 2pm to 9.30pm on Tuesday.

A new range of other Knights sportswear will also be available and customers will receive free coffee and mince pies. The bar will also be open from 2pm.

The launch day will extend to the evening when some of the Knights squad, chief executive Steve Ferres and chairman Roger Dixon, will be at the stadium to mingle with fans.

Supporters who buy the new replica home shirt will get a free new style Knights sports cap.

Phoenix Software remain the main sponsors. Jinnah Restaurant are a new backer for 2005. Their name will be on the left sleeve, while other sponsors' logos appear on the right sleeve (Bartercard), back (newitts.com) and left breast (Collier Plant Hire).

Fans unable to get to Huntington Stadium on Tuesday will still be able to buy Knights items in time for Christmas as the club shop will be open on Sunday, December 19 from 10am to noon.

Updated: 11:10 Saturday, December 11, 2004