DESPITE a long history, some great matches and much goodwill, the club was in dire straits. It was losing money hand over fist.

Some even questioned whether the support was there any more.

But ten months later, professional rugby league in York has been reborn. And the first fixture of York City Knights this weekend offers a beacon of hope for the football club.

Last spring, the outlook was bleaker for rugby fans than it is now for football fans.

The Wasps had folded. But the supporters refused to let York rugby league die.

Hundreds of fans attended a hastily called meeting to save the club. They were up against a tight deadline and major cash problems, like the football club now.

But the passion of the supporters inspired the commitment of the business community, and on Sunday the Knights kick-off a new era.

We salute everyone involved. The Knights are a shining example of what York's sporting community can achieve.

Updated: 11:43 Friday, January 17, 2003