First Knight pride

Twelve months on, the amiable solicitor/charity worker/ supporter sits at the helm of an already well-respected outfit in the Rugby Football League make-up.

The new club has several players of international standing, notable sponsorship, an ever-expanding development structure and, perhaps most significantly, the biggest average home attendance in National League Division Two.

And Dixon can hardly contain his pride. "This time last year our stadium was eerily quiet, there was no team in training, no disappointment at defeat, no elation at victory, no buses to be organised, no club.

"But there was a rising tide of determination among the faithful to promote the opening of a new chapter in the history of rugby league in York.

"What has happened since has been well-documented already - both the highs and lows. I shall long remember our first game in January - the atmosphere that day was unique. Our first win against professional opposition is another memory to savour."

Dixon, pictured below, started watching York in 1956.

He came to the fore when he took to the stage during the now famous crisis meeting of Wasps fans.

He thereafter helped lead the supporters' committee which was hastily set up to revive York RL, and so impressed was everyone with his efforts thereon that he was offered the provisional chairmanship in the event the club be granted a place in the league.

"Our hopes are high," he said. "I would not wish us to be negative, but we must all bear in mind it is not yet five months since our players first came together as a team.

"I am grateful to them, the coach, backroom staff, doctor and physio for the faith they have shown."

Dixon reiterated special praise for chief executive Steve Ferres, who is 'owed a huge debt of gratitude', majority shareholder John Guildford and all the sponsors, and also lauded the fraternal spirit throughout the sport.

"It's been a joy for me and my family to have had the opportunity to share in the friendship and to meet so many lovely people," he said.

Dixon, who previously admitted he only got involved because he 'couldn't keep my mouth shut' at that crisis meeting, added: "I am nothing more than a steward of the game for the current and future generations - I am sure you will let me know when you've had enough of me.

"I hope York may be proud of this club not only for its efforts on the field but also its community involvement. There is still much more to do and there will be many challenges but if everyone pulls together there is no reason why the club should not prosper."

He added: "I applaud what has been done so far. You, the fans, should be proud of yourselves."

Former York City Knights player Darren Robinson is reportedly impressing Sheffield boss Mark Aston during his one-month trial with the Eagles, and he could play against Chorley tomorrow.

The ex-Rochdale hooker, who was unable to play in his preferred number nine shirt for the Knights due to competition from Trevor Krause and Lee Jackson, left Huntington Stadium earlier this month.

Aston admitted he had tracked Robinson while he was with the Hornets and hoped he could have an impact at the Don Valley.

"Darren phoned me up and told me he wasn't happy at York, wasn't being played in the right position and would I be interested in him," Aston told trade magazine League Express.

"He's obviously got potential - a couple of years ago people were talking about him moving up to Super League. I've been very impressed with him and he's put himself in contention."

Ex-Knights centre Gareth Lloyd, who also left Huntington Stadium earlier this month, has completed his return to former club Doncaster Dragons.

FORMER Knights loanee Damien Kennedy has extended his loan at London Broncos.

The Leeds Rhinos youngster, who played for the Knights at the start of the season, is midway through his second month in the capital.

Club-mate Tommy Gallagher, who also had a loan spell at Huntington Stadium at the start of the season, is with him on loan at the Broncos and has broken into the Super League club's first team.

YORK-born Super League star Dan Potter has signed on a month's loan for National League One club Oldham Roughyeds. The 24-year-old former New Earswick All Blacks junior has seen his first-team chances at Widnes limited this season.

EX-YORK utility back Kiwi Neville Ramsay was one of the applicants for the Workington Town coaching job, but the post at the Knights' Division Two rivals went to Billy McGinty.

Hop on to the game

FIRST York have again teamed up with the Knights to provide free buses to and from tomorrow's home fixture against Swinton Lions. They will pick up from:

Thanet Road Baths at 2pm, followed by Stonebow Job Centre at 2.15pm;

Corner House on Burton Stone Lane at 2pm, followed by Lowther Street shops at 2.15pm;

York Railway Station forecourt. The bus will be there from 2pm and will depart at 2.20pm. There are trains due to leave Manchester Piccadilly at 12.13pm and 12.40pm arriving at York at 1.41pm and 2.17pm.

After the game, the buses will leave Huntington Stadium at 5pm.

York's Russian revolution

TWELVE years ago this month, York RL played a major part in helping to launch rugby league to a new level in Russia.

The game has grown to new heights there in the past decade, and York helped to start the ball rolling when they - then called Ryedale-York - and the old Fulham RLC made an historic tour of the country.

The trip was considered a success by Russian officials, who have emerged to be among the most progressive members of the new European Rugby League Federation.

York played Fulham in Alma Ata, then combined to take on the old Soviet Union national side a week later.

In between, they played a novel three-team match, which kicked off with Fulham playing a select 'All Stars of Soviet Asia' side, who then took on York in the second third. York in turn faced Fulham in the final third, and, despite an 18-12 defeat to the Londoners, ultimately won the three-way contest by scoring a total of 34 points compared to Fulham's 24 and the Soviets' eight.

Updated: 11:04 Saturday, May 31, 2003