CHIEF executive Steve Ferres this week gave an interesting indication of the mindset at Huntington Stadium these days.

As exclusively reported by the Evening Press, Ferres said he was wary of the way opposition clubs had reacted to defeat by York - referring to reactions which implied their team must have under-performed badly to lose to the Knights.

"Our players deserve respect," said Ferres. "People shouldn't act shocked when we win."

Of course, he countered that by saying the club still had a long way to go and that they are not the finished article by any means. He wasn't being cocky.

But his statement nevertheless says several things about the positive attitude of the new club.

Firstly, it highlights the fact the Knights really have got some class players in the ranks.

Secondly, it proves there is a lot of pride in the camp - they don't like being treated like small fry.

And, thirdly, it shows confidence is growing off the field as well as on.

Fourthly, it implies the Knights don't want to be a club happy just to make up the numbers, to achieve the occasional 'shock' win only when the opposition under-perform. Just as significantly, they don't like being thought of as such. Indeed, they treat such perceptions as a slur on their character.

Call it a winning mentality if you like - one thing is for sure, it's better than a losing one.

ONE person not particularly shocked at last week's win at Dewsbury was former York Wasps star Jamie Benn, now with the Rams.

Benn, who holds the York RL record for the most points in a match, with 30 against Oldham in 1999, told the Evening Press: "The Knights thoroughly deserved it.

"At 14-0 down they looked on the rack but they've got some quality players and good leaders and they were more hungry than Dewsbury."

The full-back - who had a big hand in the Rams' win at York in February but sat out Sunday's game with a shoulder injury which will keep him sidelined till June - also reckons the Knights will be among the favourites for promotion from Division Two.

"They're going to be hard to beat and I would say York, Barrow, who will be good at home, and Hunslet will be the three pushing for promotion."

Benn also revealed he would be hoping York do it. "I always had a thing for York and I always will have," he said.

"I had a lot of good times there, especially in 1999 when we had a good team. I've also been there when we've struggled but I always enjoyed it and the team spirit always remained."

THERE was joy this week for Knights' kitman Steve Harris regarding his upcoming cup final.

As reported in this column a few weeks ago, 'Bomber' Harris plays for New Earswick All Blacks ARLC, who have made it through to the final of the White Rose Trophy, but he was set to miss out on that big game as it had been scheduled to be played on Bank Holiday Monday, April 21, the day when the Knights visit Sheffield Eagles in the National League.

Misfortune had seen Bomber also miss out on All Blacks' last White Rose Trophy final some 15 years ago, as well as the club's prestigious Challenge Cup match against professionals Swinton not that long back.

However, the forthcoming final has now been switched to Friday, May 21 (7.30pm) - and it will be played at Huntington Stadium.

The date change also means ex-York Wasps forward and now Eagles' conditioner Dean Thomas, who also plays for All Blacks, can play in the match too.

'Bomber' was naturally delighted. "I don't know why the date was changed but it's brilliant for me," he said.

"Playing it at Huntington Stadium is brilliant as well, and it's good for the All Blacks club. In that cup we've been drawn away in every round, so it's good to get a 'home' match in the final."

KNIGHTS chairman Roger Dixon came in for a shock this week when an article in trade paper League Weekly suggested he had a daughter he never knew about.

A short piece in Monday's publication was about Cara Jemison, the young fan who - as reported by this column a fortnight ago - recorded the club single 'York City Knights'. The article rightly said Cara was a friend of Claire Guildford, but it then said that Claire was the 'daughter of the club chairman'.

It's the kind of news that could get many men spluttering, but Dixon quickly found his breath and calmly denied the veracity of the claim.

"I would be very proud if Claire was my daughter but I don't believe there is a gynaecological connection which the article suggests," he laughed.

Claire is, of course, the daughter of Knights' majority shareholder, John Guildford.

Updated: 10:47 Saturday, April 12, 2003