CAPTAIN marvel Lee Jackson will remain with York City Knights next season in a bid to end his glorious career on an appropriate high.

The former Great Britain hooker, who was the club's flagship signing ahead of their inaugural 2003 season, has decided to stave off retirement for one more year in an effort to fulfil his final goal - to take the Knights up to LHF Healthplan National League One.

The club are hopeful that Tom Andrews will also be back at Huntington Stadium next season. The young second-rower impressed in his few games for the Knights at the beginning of last season but had to leave the club in April due to work commitments. But he had signed a two-year contract and it is hoped those work commitments will alter.

As revealed by the Evening Press earlier this week, inspirational hooker Jackson - winner of the Evening Press/Collier Plant Hire Player of the Year - had been offered new terms by the club after his initial two-year deal expired. And he has now confirmed he has agreed to stay.

"I feel I can go another season," he said. "I thought I would see if (chief executive) Steve Ferres and (head coach) Mick Cook wanted me and they've said yes, so I'm quite chuffed."

York's heartbreaking defeat to Halifax in the play-off final was one of the factors behind his decision.

"The way we finished this year was not nice and it wouldn't have been a nice way to end," he explained. "I'm determined to go out on a high and next year gives us a chance to do that.

"I'm confident we're getting a strong squad together, otherwise I wouldn't have bothered doing it.

"I'm looking forward to it. What happened last season happened last season - it was a shame we didn't go up but we've got another chance next year and hopefully we can make amends.

"That was one of the reason I signed two years ago - to help get York into Division One."

Jackson, who had been contemplating hanging up his boots, added: "This will definitely be my last season."

Ferres said: "We're delighted to have Lee on board for his final season - again. He's done a great job for the club, been a fine ambassador for the Knights since its formation. He's been great value on and off the field and we have no doubt he will continue to prove that next season.

"We anticipate he will have some fierce competition from Jim Elston for the hooking position but he is up to the fight and he is prepared to stay and fight for a place which is admirable for a guy who is 35 years of age."

Updated: 10:40 Saturday, October 30, 2004