The Wasps should be eternally grateful they have Lee Crooks at the helm and not his former team-mate Garry Schofield.

While Crooks has shown amazing loyalty in sticking by the club at such a traumatic time, Schofield believes Crooks should quit to save his coaching career.

The pair played together for Hull, Leeds and Great Britain and have remained in contact, despite their careers taking very different paths.

Schofield, now player-coach at Redcar RU - who incidentally are going through financial troubles of their own - spoke to Crooks before he accepted the York job.

"It was the challenge of York that appealed to him most and he felt that it was potentially a very good route back into top line rugby league for him," Schofield told sports.com.

"I do feel sorry for my old mucker because he has put his heart and soul into the job.

"Lee has taken on a thankless task and his coaching career could be under threat unless matters improve.

"I hope he can turn things round because he is an English coach who has so much to offer our game, but he has got to look to the rest of his career and any directors looking at his current CV will not see too much to impress them.

"I think for the sake of his coaching career Lee needs to get out of York - and get out of York as quickly as possible."

Thankfully Crooksy does not seem to share that view, at least for the time being.

Crooks has done a lot of soul searching after last Sunday's humiliating hammering at Chorley but still believes he can do a good job.

And just imagine if he does the unimaginable and turns it round at York - his CV will suddenly become the most prized possession in rugby league.

Utility back Chris Allen declined to speculate on his future following last week's defeat at Chorley - and now it seems to be clear why.

When asked by the Evening Press if he would be stopping with the Wasps, the 22-year-old said: "I think I'll reserve comment on that."

It now appears he has decided to walk away following lengthy discussions with coach Lee Crooks this week.

At least he has had the courtesy to keep Crooks informed, unlike others this season who have made their feelings known by simply not turning up.

Allen was obviously down-hearted after the Chorley game, saying: "Everybody's down and when your heads are down you play with your heart more than your head. That doesn't work at this level.

"Nobody likes to lose games like that, especially against a team that hasn't won for a year. You doubt your own confidence. Morale is a big thing in rugby league and if the morale is down it's very difficult."

Rumour has it that a couple of quality back row forwards could be on their way to Huntington Stadium courtesy of new director of football Tony Coleman.

The Evening Press understands one is a former Wasp who has spent time with a Super League club. The other is a classy ex-Super League player now plying his trade in the NFP.

Some top class amateurs could also be on their way to York, depending on their team's progress in the National Cup this weekend, so watch this space for further developments.

The RFL have stayed one step ahead of the game by lining up THE band of the moment to provide the pre-match entertainment for the Silk Cut Challenge Cup final.

Renowned for attracting top acts to the showpiece event, this year they have excelled themselves by signing up current chart-toppers Hear'say.

Made famous by the TV show Popstars, the five-piece group will perform their debut smash Pure and Simple.

The fate of NFP clubs has been of great concern to supporters in recent weeks - now you have the chance to make your points heard.

Fans everywhere are invited to attend an Open Forum organised by the Rugby League Supporters' Association on Saturday, April 7 at Hunslet Boys' and Girls' Club in Leeds.

A panel of experts including RFL media manager John Huxley; Bradford Bulls media manager Stuart Duffy; Chris Hamilton, chairman of the Association of NFP clubs; Lionel Hurst, chief executive of London Broncos, and Lee Spracklen, editor of The Greatest Game fanzine, will be on hand to discuss a variety of topics.

For more details of the event, which is open to RLSA members and non-members, contact RSLA chairman Cliff Spracklen on 0113 256 6555.

The taste of India and Las Vegas will come together for one night to raise money for the Wasps.

The Jaipur Spice Restaurant on Haxby Road will host a Casino and Curry evening to include full Indian banquet, blackjack, craps and roulette.

Tickets are £20, limited to 150, with all profits going to the Wasps. Ring the club on 01904 634636.

Cheap deals are in force for students and the armed services at York's home match matches.

Students are admitted to the ground at all league games for £5 on production of a NUS Card at the juniors and OAP turnstile. The concession also applies to members of the armed services on production of a warrant card.