Devastated York Wasps players revealed how they came close to walking out on the club following the resignation of Lee Crooks last week.

They claim the news came as a complete shock when Crooks informed them of his decision at training on Thursday night.

They even considered refusing to play against Widnes Vikings yesterday - until the departed coach intervened.

Speaking after yesterday's 66-11 defeat, a players committee said they believed the situation had been "handled very unprofessionally" by the club.

They explained: "We think it's shocking the way Lee has been treated. There were a lot of lads who were not going to play and were going to call it a day.

"But we had a discussion and the York lads said that if they didn't play there wasn't going to be a York club which we didn't want.

"If it hadn't been for Lee telling us all that we should be professionals and go out and play then we wouldn't have played."

Crooks opted to quit when he was told the club were not in a position to offer him a new contract until money was in place for next season.

He was also told he would then be considered a front runner for the job - unless a better candidate came forward.

That attitude infuriated Crooks and the players who said: "Everyone had total confidence in Lee. We were 100 per cent behind him.

"He was obviously committed and stuck by the club through thick and thin.

"But the board has given the impression they have no respect for Lee or for us. They have said before they have already written this season off - how does that make us feel?"

The team gave Crooks the best possible send off by turning in one of their best performances for several weeks against Widnes in the final home match of the season.

In front of a crowd of 952, their second highest of the season, they prevented Super league candidates Widnes from running up the kind of score many had predicted.

Captain Alan Pallister said: "The lads gave 110 per cent. We did it for ourselves and we did it for Lee. I thought he was a great coach but he was also a friend.

"We tried to keep the score respectable and prove that we can do it. Widnes had been saying they were going to get a cricket score and break the club record but we went out to give them a shock and I think we did, particularly in the first half."

Chairman John Stabler was also pleased with the performance. He said: "It was a big effort by the lads. We're very pleased with the was Martin (Flynn) has stepped in as coach.

"I think we played tremendously well against what is almost effectively a Super League side."

Stabler added that it was now time to move on following the departure of Crooks and build towards next season.

"Our thanks go to Lee. He's stuck by us, it's sad that he's gone but life goes on.

"We're very optimistic for next season. We've got a potential major sponsorship in place and I see ourselves as being in a better position than the other NFP teams.

"It's been a hard season for everyone but watch this space fans of York Rugby League - we're in for better times."

Updated: 08:47 Monday, June 25, 2001