OUTGOING York City Knights boss Paul Broadbent has told of his admiration for the part-time players at Huntington Stadium, after admitting dropping down from full-time rugby had been a "wake-up call" for him.

The 35-year-old had spent the bulk of his 16-year professional career in the top flight, with Sheffield Eagles, Halifax, Hull and latterly, Wakefield Trinity, before moving to York at the start of the season.

And he explained that players at National League level put in as much work as, if not more than, those at Super League level.

"The guys that are playing part-time deserve a medal for what they do because it is so tiring, it's hard work," he said.

"They work full-time, go training three times a week and play hard rugby on Sunday and some of them have to work on Saturdays as well to make the time up.

"It's been a bit of a wake-up call for me having been in Super League, in a full-time environment. Reality hits home when you're working all day and then have to do training.

"It's probably as tough a challenge playing part-time as for the guys playing Super League. As a Super League player you get your down-time and you get time to rest to get your energy levels back up. You don't really get as much here."

Broadbent, who told the players of his decision to resign at training on Tuesday, said he hoped the squad had benefited from their year under his leadership.

"I think they were shocked more than anything when I told them because they did not expect it," he said.

"The guys have been outstanding this year. I would be disappointed if they came away thinking they haven't achieved anything or learnt anything.

"I've learnt so much in the past 12 month, not just about the rugby but also about individuals and how to handle situations, and I really hope the guys have learnt stuff as well."

He also had praise for the backroom staff at Huntington Stadium.

He said: "Everybody has worked really hard behind the scenes, not just me but Steve Ferres (chief executive), Graeme Hallas (assistant player-coach), John Kain (assistant coach), Chris Clinton (stats) and Bomber (kitman Steve Harris), everybody has played their part."

Updated: 11:35 Thursday, September 18, 2003