Andrew Henderson hails York Knights' supporters as 'first class'

He admits that a return of just one win from their opening six Betfred Championship matches could leave some fans disillusioned following a strong end to the 2023 season that saw a late surge into the play-offs - but stressed that their support does not go unnoticed by him nor his players.

As the travelling Knights supporters found their voices at Mount Pleasant, things began to click on the pitch, though late tries from Ukuma Ta’ai, Jordan Thompson and Tom Lineham were not quite enough to see Henderson’s side across the line as they fell to a 22-18 defeat in West Yorkshire.

READ NEXT:

• Why Towse has seen limited game time for York Knights over recent weeks

• Severs suffers setback but no fresh injuries for York Knights after Batley

• York Valkyrie prop banned for Leeds Rhinos clash after RFL charge

He admitted: “I feel for them at the moment because we’re not giving them a lot to cheer about, bless them.

“But I thought the commitment they showed on Sunday was first class. The noise they made, the energy, they really tried their best to encourage the lads to get them across the line.

“It certainly doesn’t go unnoticed and we appreciate their support and hope to hear them singing loud and proud this Sunday at the LNER.”

Ata Hingano with the Knights' travelling supporters at Batley Bulldogs last weekend. (Image: Craig Hawkhead Photography)

The head coach is also pleased by the relationship that his players have with the club’s supporters, and widely encourages them to show their appreciation.

“I think our players have always had a good relationship with the supporters. They always go and spend time with them after a game and mix with them and take that bit of extra time that’s needed, which I think is great.

“At the end of the day, it’s part and parcel of your job as players really. You have these people coming that are spending their hard-earned wages to support you, it’s only right that you spend a bit of time and give them that time because it makes their day. That’s what it’s about.

“We want to have that sort of atmosphere here, we want to create that togetherness as a unit – fanbase, supporters, sponsors, players and staff. It’s really, really important."