POWER-PACKED prop Craig Forsyth has re-pledged his allegiance to York City Knights and immediately set himself a short-term goal - to get fellow front-rower Rich Hayes to re-sign too.

Forsyth, who has just turned 33, put pen to paper on a one-year deal last night, just before the new-look squad had their first get-together under new coach Richard Agar.

"I always wanted to re-sign here," he told the Evening Press. "There were some things I wanted to iron out but I'm pleased to stay, and I'm pleased with the players who have re-signed and signed from other clubs."

The former Heworth youngster also lauded playing for his home-town team. "It's the best crowd I've played in front of. I thought Doncaster's was the best but they've surpassed that," he said.

"I'm York born and bred and it's nice to play for your own town, and it's nice to be in a shop on a Sunday morning when people you don't know come up to you and ask if we're going to win today."

He added: "I would be disappointed if the club did not carry on where they left off last season and go on to bigger things.

"At the beginning of last season they had the optimistic goal of winning more than they lose and that goal changed half-way through the season to making the play-offs. I think there will be a realistic goal next season that's high and achievable.

"My own aim is to do a lot better than last season - I was changing clubs which did not help. It would be nice to score a try as well - just one will do," he joked.

"But my first personal goal is to talk Richie Hayes into coming back."

Club captain Hayes, who has been contemplating retirement, was not there last night. However, the 33-year-old's absence was no indication of his likely choice - as he was merely on holiday.

Coach Richard Agar said fans' favourite Hayes had earlier been in contact to say he would be unavailable. "We would love him to go round again but we will respect his decision and we respect the fact he needs to discuss it with his family," he added.

Winger Alex Godfrey was there last night after coming through a successful operation on his troublesome groin. The 24-year-old flier had been hampered last season by what was believed to be a hernia problem but it was later diagnosed as an adductor muscle strain.

The operation means he will be unable to train for two weeks, while it could take up to three months before he reaches full fitness. "It could take a bit of work to get me back to normal but everything went pretty well," he said.

Updated: 11:27 Friday, November 07, 2003