JAMES FORD believes York City Knights' ability to retain player on long-term deals is a "great strategy", following the retention of Jordan Thompson.

York have tied Thompson down to a deal until the end of 2025, having done the same with half-back Ata Hingano last month.

Having players on deals of such length is unusual for a part-time Betfred Championship outfit, where 12-month deals are prevalent.

“When you sign every player at the club on one-year deals, it comes to a stage in the season where there’s an awful lot of discussions going on, which can be distracting for the players," head coach Ford explained.

“If you’ve got players tied down on longer-term deals, the ones who you know are going to be absolutely significant players for your team for the next couple of years, it avoids that en masse.

“It means you don’t have the worry of recruiting and retaining players every single season.

“It’s a great strategy by the club and Jordan was right at the top of our list of players to retain.

"I think he’s had an outstanding season. He’d led the forward pack from the front and had a significant impact on pretty much every game he’s played.

“Going forward, the strategy is have some more Jordy Thompson’s around Jordy Thompson."

Loose forward Thompson is the 10th player the Knights have confirmed as staying with the club for at least next year.

Providing an update on recruitment and retention ahead of 2023, Ford said: “We’re working really hard.

"Clint (Goodchild, chairman) and I have been having meetings and discussions about recruitment and retention for a long time this season. We’ve put an awful lot of time into getting it right.

“It’s something that’s on-going but it is very difficult. To sign a player, they’ve got to be available, they’ve got to be in your price range and there’s also your competition from other clubs.

“It’s a challenge but that’s what makes the job so interesting, dealing with these challenges.”