DAVE WOODS hopes tonight’s question and answer session at Huntington Stadium will bond players and fans – and make for a stronger York City Knights.

The event, to be staged in Bar 13, starting at 7pm, was set up in the wake of Woods’ arrival as the Knights’ new director of rugby six weeks ago.

He, along with head coach James Ratcliffe, general manager Ian Wilson and some players will face a barrage of supporters’ questions in a public forum.

And while he did not expect an easy ride, especially given the club’s disappointing mid-table position in Co-operative Championship One, Woods reckoned it would have a positive effect at the club.

“I’m the one who suggested it,” said the Aussie.

“I think it’s important the fans are part of the club. They’re the ones who pay the money to watch, and something like this can only be good.”

Asked if he thought it would help bond the fans and players together, he said: “I hope so – it’s important.

“Different people have things on certain players they like and no matter how badly they’re playing they will see them as the best, and there are other players they don’t like no matter how good they go.

“I think something like this gives fans the opportunity to have a chat with the players and get on a bit.

“We want the fans to be a part of our achievements and what we’re doing.”

The panel might face a grilling given the team’s inconsistent results, not helped by the 46-10 home loss to arch-rivals Hunslet on Sunday. But Woods did not expect it to turn into a slanging match.

“It’s not an argument session or anything like that,” he said.

“It’s for us to sit down and show the fans a few things we do in training, how we work with the players, what systems we use.

“It’d be good to show them little things we do so they realise the players are working hard and that we are putting things in place.

“I will be as honest and open as I can be and answer any questions that are thrown up.

“We’re not worried about it – hopefully it will be good for both sides and I hope a lot of supporters turn out.”

Meanwhile, Oldham forward Wayne Kerr, sent off for his high tackle on Dennis Tuffour during the Knights’ last-minute win at Whitebank 11 days ago, was given no further punishment by the Rugby Football League’s disciplinary chiefs. The panel deemed his 53rd-minute sending-off was sufficient reprimand.

• Don’t miss Saturday’s edition of The Press which will include an in-depth interview with Dave Woods and how he has settled into his new role at the Knights.