RETIRING York City Knights hero Rich Hayes has ruled out any chance of taking up coaching - but he won't be leaving the game altogether.

The 33-year-old, who has been forced to retire due to an ongoing shoulder injury, hung up his boots last week after playing his final game of a 15-year professional career in the Challenge Cup tie against Villeneuve.

He says he has not considered going into coaching, but he could well help out with training at New Ears-wick All Blacks juniors, for whom his two sons play, while he will also continue to support the Knights.

"I haven't thought very far ahead, to be honest, but I have no plans for coaching, definitely not," he told the Evening Press.

"I've seen a lot of coaches come and go and it's a real tough job.

"I will be going down to All Blacks to see my two lads play a lot more and I'll be helping them train. We will take it from there."

Hayes, who has recently started learning a new trade at technical college in addition to his full-time job, added: "I'll miss playing rugby - it's been my life - but I will still be coming to Knights games."

FANS may have noticed last Sunday that Knights coach Richard Agar has recently sported a plaster across his nose.

This is because he underwent surgery on an old broken bone - not that he won much sympathy from the players.

Apparently the entire squad greeted him in the changing rooms with big comedy white patches on their noses.

SPOTTED in the Huntington Stadium crowd during last week's Challenge Cup tie against Villeneuve was former York Wasps kitman Gordon Morritt.

The ex-policeman, who made his name in sporting circles in the round-ball game - he was York City's goalkeeper between 1969 and 1970 - has maintained his support for the rugby club after getting a Knights season ticket.

IT'S time for Play The Ball to exercise its deed poll powers again regarding the spelling of a players' name.

Just as Mark Stewart came to York last year as Mark Stuart before the correct spelling of his name was confirmed, Damien Reid began his Knights career as Damien Reed.

Apparently, Gateshead Thunder had the same problem last year when they, and therefore the local and rugby press, went through the whole season calling him Reed.

Nonetheless, no matter how you spell it, you still "read" it the same. Geddit?

THE Supporters' Club have organised a fundraising Sportspersons Dinner for next month - at which sporting greats Mick Morgan and Peter Lorimer will be the guest speakers.

Tickets are now on sale for the bash, which will be held in the Function Suite at the Cottage Inn, 115 The Village, Haxby on Thursday, March 11. Dress code is smart casual, and all moneys raised will go towards the Knights' Academy Builder.

Guest speakers are former York rugby league star and regular after-dinner speaker Morgan and ex-Leeds United, York City and Scotland footballer Lorimer.

There will also be a signed memorabilia raffle and other signed freebies, while any personal items can be brought along and signed.

Tickets cost £25 each and include a three-course carvery dinner. All enquiries to Carol Wilcox on 01904 763949.

THE Supporters' Club are running a bus to tomorrow's game at Gateshead.

It will leave Huntington Stadium at 11.30am with pick-up points at New Lane 11.35, Dodsworth Avenue 11.40, Clarence Street 11.45 and Blossom Street (Odeon) 11.55am.

Cost is £6-£8 adults, depending on numbers, and £5 for children 16 and under. The coach will be returning straight after the match.

To book a seat contact club secretary Leanne Cooper on 07814 716195. The bus is already almost full so book early.

THE Supporters' Club annual general meeting will take place on Tuesday at 7.30pm in the Huntington Stadium bar.

Anyone wishing to attend is asked to notify either Mike Miller on 01904 750500, Ken Pearson on 01904 769861 or Dave Crosby on 01757 213071.

All supporters are welcome, but only paid-up members are allowed to vote.

Perhaps crucially, the bar will be open.

Updated: 10:11 Saturday, February 14, 2004