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by Stuart Martel

Former York Rugby League Club coach Stewart Horton has been granted a testimonial to mark his ten seasons with the Huntington Stadium outfit.

The move appears to heal the rift between the Wasps and their long-serving player and coach after he was wrongfully sacked at the end of 1996.

The 34-year-old played more than 200 games for the club between 1987 and 1996, taking over the coaching reigns from Roger Millward in January 1995.

'Corgi' Horton was sacked for alleged gross misconduct after the postponement of a friendly fixture at Hull but he last year won damages in the region of £8,000 in an out of court settlement for wrongful dismissal.

The testimonial, which was not part of the court agreement, involves a benefit game at Huntington Stadium on Thursday, April 2, kick off 7.30pm, followed by a Sportsman's Dinner at York Racecourse on Thursday, June 4.

The testimonial game will be between the current York side, now coached by Dean Robinson, and a select side comprising Heworth players and former Horton team-mates.

Horton will field Heworth's first team in the first half of the fixture, while the second period will feature appearances from the likes of Graham Steadman, Steve Crooks, Dave Watkinson, Gary Pearce and Steve Dobson.

The coach, now joint boss of amateur side Heworth, revealed his delight at "burying the hatchet" with his former club.

"I think anybody who plays ten years in the second division deserves something. I have never been a greedy man. I have never had big contracts, I have always played for my money. I think the club has had its money's worth out of me," said the former Castleford hooker.

"I should have had a testimonial last year and the club has seen fit to give me it. I did ten seasons with them. It is the club that has said bury the hatchet.

"I have never fallen out with the club. Trevor Cox said 'you earned it, we will give you it'. It will be nice to have both teams play each other. It is going to be a good night. I would like to play but I am afraid my knee will not take it."

Although Horton took the Wasps to an industrial tribunal over his dismissal, he claims his gripe was not with current chairman Cox or the board.

Said Horton: "It was not the club that did it to me, it was certain people. Trevor has always been good to me. They contacted me about the game and it has given me a bit of hope and faith back in the club because I had lost it.

"It is up to the public whether they want to turn up but it would be nice to see a full house. I would be happy if anybody turns up."

Wasps coach Robinson added: "I am hopeful he will be getting a Stewart Horton all-stars to play the squad. I think it fair that if anybody has given a great number of years to any particular club and served it in the way he has served York, he is entitled to a benefit game."

Tickets for the Sportsmans Dinner, which includes an auction, are priced at £25 and details are available from Horton on 01904 421477, Steve Dobson on 01904 621873 or Lea Tichener on 01904 634636.

The master of ceremonies duties will be performed by Dave Kendall, Gerald Lumley is the guest speaker and the comedian will be Billy Bean.

Meanwhile, Horton revealed that hot Heworth property Andy Gable is continuing to attract the interest of professional clubs.

The centre, who was offered a contract by York last year, was today meeting officials from first division Keighley Cougars to discuss a possible deal. The youngster has also been watched by Super League sides Hull Sharks and Sheffield Eagles.

And first division Hunslet are believed to be tracking the Villagers' consistent prop forward Chris Plowman.

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