ONE of the heroes of York rugby league’s 1981 title success, Paul McDermott, has hailed the class of 2010 following their remarkable Grand Final triumph.

Dave Woods’ York City Knights team overcame massive underdog status to reach the Championship One promotion showdown with Oldham and then beat the Roughyeds 25-4 in front of the Sky television cameras at Warrington to seal a place in the higher tier next term.

It was only the third promotion for York since McDermott helped the previous incarnation win the old Division Two crown back 1980/1.

And McDermott, who scored 47 tries in 83 appearances for York between 1980 and 1983, said: “On behalf of the 1981 York playing squad I would like to congratulate the Knights on a fantastic victory against a much-fancied Oldham. “The skills of the players on display were tremendous, but what was particularly impressive was the team spirit, determination and the never-say-die attitude that was on show.

“Hopefully that should stand them in good stead for the higher division.”

The York club’s other promotions since 1981 came in 1984/5 when they finished third, also in the old Division Two, and then in 2005, when Mick Cook’s team lifted the National League Two (Championship One) title.

In between times, they would have been promoted in 1998, when they finished second, but Rugby Football League chiefs then reverted to a one-tier system below the recently-introduced Super League.

McDermott, who coaches the York Lokomotive amateur team in the Rugby League Conference, also passed on credit to Woods and co.

He said: “Well done to the coaching staff too – they have worked hard and shown they are willing to play an exciting brand of rugby.

“A special mention must also be given to John Guilford (club chief) for his support in leading the club.”

McDermott, the brother of Brian McDermott, who is to become assistant-coach at Leeds Rhinos next year after four years in charge at fellow Super League outfit Harlequins, added: “A big well done must go to the Knights’ loyal supporters who made it sound as if there were four times as many there at Warrington.

“Having a strong and loud vocal support behind you as a player makes you want to work twice as hard – so keep supporting, and best of luck next year.”