GARRY Atkins was today mulling over the chance to resurrect his winning partnership with former team-mate Lee Crooks at York Wasps.

Atkins and Crooks were both in the Castleford side which defeated Wakefield 11-8 in the 1990-91 Yorkshire Cup final.

Between them they accounted for more than half the points that day, Atkins scoring a try and Crooks kicking a goal.

Ten years on, their paths could be about to cross once more following the appointment of Crooks as York's head coach.

Crooks has stated his intentions for a three-man coaching team and has offered one of the positions to Atkins, who was in charge of the Wasps for the last three months of last season.

The pair had a long discussion on Monday night and Atkins was impressed with Crooks' plans.

"Everybody seemed to be talking about what went wrong at Keighley but, speaking to him, he sounds very positive about the situation and he's learned a lot of lessons from his Keighley days," said Atkins, referring to Crooks' ill-fated spell as Keighley boss.

"I'm sure York as a whole will benefit from the mistakes he made at Keighley because he won't make them again. I was impressed with his attitude.

"He's been a legend in his time and played at the highest level so I'm sure there are things to learn from someone like Lee."

However, despite his confidence in Crooks' ability, Atkins wants more time to think over his future.

He explained: "Lee's got some good plans and I liked what he said but it depends if they come to fruition. I'd like to think they can get a team that's going to compete but it comes down to finances.

"At the moment Lee is confident they can do that and if that's the case then I'd like to be part of it."

Crooks confirmed: "I would like Garry to be involved in the coaching team. He knows the players, he's committed and he has contacts with the amateur lads in the area which will be a help to me."

Crooks is also planning to bring in a third, as yet unidentified, coach as he is looking towards an Alliance team next season.

He believes it is essential for competitiveness within the squad and is assessing its viability.

"I want a squad of around 23 players and those that aren't in the first team will need to play somewhere. Last year players weren't really producing the goods on the field but there was nowhere else for them to go.

"An Alliance team will mean there are seven or eight players pushing to get into the first team."

Crooks also hopes York will continue to run an Academy team but that will depend on sponsorship.

The Academy's last two games of this season, at home to Doncaster on Saturday (kick-off 2.30pm) and Lancashire on Tuesday (7.30pm) will both be played at Huntington Stadium.