LEGEND Lee Jackson lauded his three years at Huntington Stadium as 'fantastic' after helping to guide York City Knights to National League One, writes Peter Martini.

The former Great Britain hooker, now 36, staved off retirement last season as he wanted to 'end his career on a high and complete the job he set out to do' when he first signed for York from Hull.

"It was great, I really enjoyed it," he said. "It's taken three years but we've done it.

"We stuck in so well. We didn't have a particularly good game but it showed the kind of team spirit we've got. Everyone knuckled down and we got the two points we needed."

Jackson, whose illustrious career has included Challenge Cup and NRL Grand Final triumphs, as well as many international caps, added: "Winning promotion is what I set out to do with Paul Broadbent (then head coach) in that first year.

"It started with Paul, then with Richard Agar (as coach) and now with Cooky.

"I've enjoyed all three years and now we've won it this year, it's great. The three years I've had have been fantastic."

Chris Levy, who took over the club captaincy from Jackson this season, lauded his team-mates after enjoying an 'awesome' new experience.

Levy, who was not selected for the match so watched the game in the stands, said: "I was very nervous. When we went 22-0 down I was a bit concerned, but as we have shown on a few occasions we got together and did it. It was like nothing I've experienced.

"It's hard on the sidelines whether you're injured or just not selected. I was not selected this time but we all stuck together and I felt a part of it.

"I said to the guys I've captained teams for 12 years and not once have I lifted a trophy, but I've done it for the first time this year and it's unbelievable."

Updated: 11:33 Monday, August 22, 2005