THERE were promising signs as a number of York Wasps players returned to Huntington Stadium last night for their first get together since the club closed down.

Caretaker coach Stewart Horton took charge of the session, which saw the players go through a gentle work-out and updated on the club's current developments by supporters' trust working party member Gary Hall.

Seven players - Leigh Deakin, Carl Barrow, Ben Sorbello, Alan Pallister, Callum Irving, Rob Lee and Shaun Austerfield - made it to the get together with Horton glad to get the ball rolling.

"It was always going to be difficult because I didn't have any contact numbers for the players as they were all with the 'old club'," Horton explained.

"It was more a case of getting the word spread, with the players who turned up giving me their numbers and those of some of the other players, but it was a better turn out than I expected.

"Gary Hall came along and spoke to them about what was going on and they were happy with what they heard.

"The lads are all positive, they don't expect miracles and know the aim is to get a side out on the pitch."

One man not there was Jamie Benn, who has signed for Dewbury Rams.

Horton is expecting attendance figures to swell for the next session tomorrow night, again at the Huntington Stadium, 6.30pm start, and to keep the momentum going every Tuesday and Thursday at Heworth ARLFC.

"I've spoken to a few local amateur lads and I'm hoping to get a few of them down," said Horton.

"I also been speaking to a few lads who have been talking about packing it in. You can understand why, as they have been here before and are wondering whether it is all worth it, but hopefully they will give it another go under a new regime."

All players still with the club who haven't already contacted Horton can do so on (07939) 573911.

Updated: 11:44 Wednesday, April 10, 2002