New recruit may top a parade of Knights

The Evening Press believes the Knights are on the verge of signing a major Super League player ahead of the big opening day clash at home to Hull KR on Sunday.

If the deal is done in time, the player will be at training today before joining up with the rest of the squad at the evening bash in the Huntington Stadium bar, providing another boost to fans as the clock ticks down to the season's long-awaited kick-off.

The Knights, whose first-ever campaign begins with the Arriva Trains Cup tie against Rovers, will welcome all fans and friends of the club to tonight's party to celebrate the new season.

As reported by the Evening Press, all the players and club staff and officials will be there for fans to meet, while all club merchandise will also be on sale. The bash begins at 8pm, after the players' training session.

Knights public relations officer Ros Buckley said: "This event is being held so the fans of rugby league in York get a chance to meet the new team ahead of the season.

"All the squad members will be there and we look forward to welcoming everybody to the club's new home."

Club chairman Roger Dixon will be among those giving a short presentation of what's happening off the field, while the players will be officially presented with their shirts, many of them by their individual sponsors. Pre-match entertainers, the Angels of the Knights, will also perform a dance routine.

On top of that, there will be an informal question and answer session featuring Dixon, chief executive Steve Ferres, player-coach Paul Broadbent and players Lee Jackson, Aussie Trevor Krause and captain Richie Hayes.

A merchandise launch held at the stadium last month saw more than 100 club members turn up - with more than £1,000 of stock sold - and, with this night being the big official launch for all fans, a large crowd is expected.

Buckley added: "Hopefully a lot of people will turn up and enjoy the night."

Updated: 12:27 Thursday, January 16, 2003