LANDING Paul Broadbent as player-coach was a real coup for York City Knights.

The former Great Britain and England international forward is highly respected by players and fans alike.

He starred at Sheffield, captaining John Kear's team to shock Challenge Cup glory at Wembley in 1998 when they beat Wigan 17-8.

He also played with distinction for Halifax, Hull and Wakefield Trinity before being recruited by Steve Ferres for the newly-formed York City Knights.

Coaching record

Announced as York player-coach August 23, 2002 (providing club got into Rugby Football League), took over as player-coach in mid-October 2002.

York City Knights 2003

Total: Played 31, Won 16, Drawn 1, Lost 14

National League Two (incl play-off): Played 19, Won 11, Drawn 1, Lost 7

Arriva Trains Cup: Played 10, Won 4, Drawn 0, Lost 6

Challenge Cup: Played 2, Won 1, Drawn 0, Lost 1

Playing record

Sheffield Eagles (1987-1998): App 312(+15 as sub), Tries 43

Halifax (1999): App 27(+1), Tries 2

Gateshead Thunder (2000): club merged with Hull.

Hull (2000-01): App 47(+9), Tries 3

Wakefield Trinity (2002): App 19(+5), Tries 0

York City Knights (2003): App 9(+7), Tries 1

Total: App 414(+47), Tries 49.

Honours: Eight Great Britain caps (1996-97), five England caps. Old Div 2 Premiership 1989; old Div 2 title 1992; Challenge Cup-winning captain 1998 (all with Sheffield)

Updated: 11:13 Wednesday, September 17, 2003