Psycho leaves with no regrets

As revealed by the Press this week, the 35-year-old prop - affectionatley known by some as Psycho - has decided to hang up his boots to bring down the curtain on a career which began as a junior at Heworth ARLC and kicked off professionally with Scarborough Pirates in 1991.

And he says he will not consider either coaching or a return to the amateur game.

"I couldn't deal with coaching - it's too stressful," said Forsyth, who played 133 times in total in three spells with York, including 55 for the Knights. "It's made Mick Cook's hair fall out and he's only a young lad!"

"I won't be going back to Heworth," he added. "If I've not got the time to play for the Knights, I haven't got time to play.

"But I will still be watching York as a fan. I've been down a few times as a spectator and I'll be a regular - I'm Knights through and through."

Forsyth admitted sadness at leaving the club - work commitments have forced his retirement as his building business has grown - but stressed he had no regrets, even though he went out with little fanfare.

"I'm sorry I'm stepping down," he said. "You get a buzz talking to fans after games. I hope they continue supporting the players like they do and I hope York can progress at the same rate as they have over the last few years."

Forsyth - who returned to Heworth in between playing for Scarborough and York, and also had a brief stint in Australia - reckoned the highs far outweighed the lows over his career.

"There have been a lot of different high moments," he said.

"Playing in the (NL2) Grand Final with the Knights (in 2004) was one of the best games. Even though we got beaten, it was an occasion I will not forget.

"Then there was the game at Hunslet last year when we won the league. That was great.

"A cup game at Widnes a few years back, when Dean Robinson was coach, sticks in my mind as well. It went into extra time and they kicked a penalty to win it."

As for bad points, he said: "I've always been fortunate with injuries - I've never really copped for many. When York Wasps went into the CVA (company voluntary arrangement), that was probably the lowest of it all. That was probably my only bad memory."

He added: "I'm glad I came back to York when I did. Coaching has progressed - with more technology - in the last few years at York and throughout the game. I wish that had happened earlier in my career as I think I would have benefited from it."

He would not single any individuals out as being the best or worst players he had played with or against, showing respect for anyone who walks onto a rugby field.

"I've played with a lot of good players and I'd say not many bad ones - you get found out in this game," he said. "I wouldn't like to single anybody out because everybody has got qualities. I've met some great people and made some good friends."

Hail the winner of April gong

THE Press-sponsored Player of the Month award for April will be presented before tomorrow's game.

The accolade is voted for by Press readers, with all who vote having the chance to win two free tickets and the privilege of presenting the award.

The lucky reader pulled out of the hat this time was Anne Bucknell, of Huntington.

I won't give away who the winning player is - although there is probably a clue somewhere in the current Press/Collier Plant Hire Player of the Year standings.

Recent signing Jamaine Wray (3pts) collected the maximum this week for his man of the match display in the defeat at Workington, the hooker having made a major difference after coming off the bench.

Rob Spicer (2pts) had an excellent game at centre to be deemed the Knights' second-best player on the day, while prop Adam Sullivan (1pt) battled away gamely as always against Workington's big front rowers.

The Player of the Month for April has also seen his tally increase by three bonus points, stretching his lead at the top even further. (Have you guessed who won it, yet?)

Latest standings: Golden 19pts, Elston 12, Law 8, Spicer 7, Rhodes 7, Blaymire 5, Farrell 5, Hasty 5, Wray 5, Buckley 4, Fox 3, Bates 3, Smith 3, Bovill 2, O'Loughlin 2, Sullivan 2, Forsyth 1.

THE Knights will hold a minute's silence before tomorrow's game against Leigh in memory of mad keen Knights fan Gary Martin, of Swinton near Malton, who was killed in a road accident a year ago this week.

The club will also use this as a chance to remember anyone connected to the Knights who died in the past year.

Gary's son, seven-year-old Jordan, will be the team mascot for the day.

GATES will open at 12.15pm tomorrow as the York Primary Schools Tag Rugby Finals are taking place as a curtain-raiser to the Knights game. All are welcome.

Those games kick off at 12.30pm and the finals are due to start at about 2pm, while six schools will also get to play a game at half-time in the Knights' match. The finalists will also be presented with their medals at half-time.

The tournament is sponsored by MSF Peugeot York.

FANS will be happy to hear that the new Lancealotto is doing "really well", according to reports coming out of the Knights head office.

However, the ultimate enthusiasts that they are, they are keen to push this new lottery scheme as much as possible and are looking for volunteer distributors to offer their services in dropping leaflets in at clubs, pubs, offices, etc.

Anybody willing to help is asked to contact Claire Guildford on 01904 758234 or 07977 986696.

Win tickets to the Knights' Cup match at Huddersfield

THE Press has once again teamed up with the title sponsor of the Challenge Cup, Powergen, to offer readers the chance to win a pair of tickets to see the Knights in Challenge Cup action.

Mick Cook's men take on Super League form team Huddersfield Giants at the Galpharm Stadium in a fifth-round tie next Sunday, and you could see the game for free as the lucky winner of our competition.

A pair of tickets is up for grabs to witness whether the Knights can pull off one of the biggest shocks in Challenge Cup history and win a place in the quarter-finals.

All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning is answer the following question:

Q: Where will the 2006 Powergen Challenge Cup final be held?

Send your answers, marked "Challenge Cup tickets comp" on email to peter.martini@ycp.co.uk or on a postcard to Sportsdesk, The Press, 76-86 Walmgate, York, Y01 9YN. The deadline for entries is noon on Wednesday, May 17.

E.ON UK, the company that runs Powergen, is one of the largest energy suppliers in the UK, and also offers a range of additional home energy services including boiler and central heating installation, maintenance and insurance.

For tickets to the Powergen Challenge Cup final, call the RFL ticket office on 0870 990 1313 or log on to www.engagesuperleague.co.uk

Terms and Conditions. There is no cash alternative and the prize is not negotiable. E.ON is not responsible for late changes in the date and kick off time or postponement of the match. Always check details before travelling. All prizes are non-refundable and non-transferable. The prize is only available to adults or a child accompanied by an adult. All travel expenses to be paid for by the winner. The judge's decision is final and is not open to negotiation. E.ON employees and their families are not eligible to enter. The winners, by accepting the prize, agree to publicity if required. No purchase necessary. All other usual Press conditions apply.

Updated: 10:46 Saturday, May 13, 2006