YORK City Knights’ marquee signing, Jason Demetriou, is having talks with Keighley Cougars today over the vacant coaching job at Cougar Park.

However, he has stressed that “everything would have to fall into place” quickly if he were to quit Huntington Stadium before ever donning a Knights shirt in earnest.

The 34-year-old Wakefield legend agreed a one-year contract with Championship new-boys York just 11 days ago, having stepped down from Super League at the end of last season.

Such a rapid departure would mark an amazing turnaround – and be a huge blow to the Knights just as they step up pre-season preparations, with their first friendly scheduled for Bank Holiday Monday, December 27, against the York Select XIII.

However, The Press understands the club’s hierarchy have always been aware of Demetriou’s desire to get into coaching, as well as his links with the Keighley role, and would not stand in his way if a decent offer was forthcoming.

The Aussie himself has also told The Press he would want to stay put unless the Cougars’ package – should he get the job – was too good to turn down.

Moreover, it is thought he faces stiff competition for the position, with Martin Crompton, who took Blackpool Panthers to the verge of Championship One play-off glory before losing to York, ex-Batley boss Gary Thornton and former Huddersfield favourite Brad Drew having been linked with the job.

Stanley Gene and Graham Holroyd have also emerged as shock contenders, while Matt Bramald, the reserves coach at Keighley, who were relegated back to Championship One this year, could be another option.

The job became vacant after Barry Eaton was given the assistant-coach role at Super League club Crusaders.

Demetriou said: “Probably the reason I didn’t sign for York straight away was because I was looking to get my foot in the door in coaching, but those avenues closed and York were good with me and patient.

“It (the Keighley job) is something I would consider, but a lot of things would have to fall into place for me to leave York.

“At the moment I’m working outside the game and I’ve got a decent part-time contract with York. I’ve been honest with York all the way and they’ve supported me. They’ve even said they’d try to find me ways to get into coaching at York.

“It’s more about the long-term. Playing-wise, this is for the present, but I’ve got to look to secure something for the future as well.”

He added: “I’ve started training and I’m looking forward to the start of the season. I’m happy with my decision to play for York and it would have to be a good opportunity for me to consider leaving.

“The timing is not great and if it’s going to happen it needs to happen soon.”

Demetriou has already been handed one avenue into coaching, having joined the Knights’ community development team, working one day a week. Fellow first-teamers Jack Stearman, Lee Waterman and former England international Chris Thorman are also in that crew.

The Aussie added: “That’s also something I’ve wanted to get into. I want to get into coaching or development and stay involved in the game full-time.”

Knights general manager Ian Wilson said: “Jason’s been open and honest about it and we will wait and see. If he was to leave, we would understand why, but, from our club’s point of view, hopefully he will be with us next season.”