ASSISTANT-BOSS Mick Ramsden is close to questioning the players’ commitment to the cause as York City Knights seek the solutions that will lift them off the foot of the Co-operative Championship.

Sunday’s awful 20-6 defeat at arch-rivals Hunslet – who were previously without a point – dumped Chris Thorman’s men to the bottom of the table as the only team without a win this term.

Ramsden concedes a lack of confidence is making life increasingly difficult but he also thinks the players might need to get “more pumped up” to show the Huntington Stadium faithful they do have pride in the shirt.

“We maybe have to question some of the players’ commitment – which is really disappointing,” said Ramsden following the team’s fourth defeat in four league games.

“There were a few individual performances that we weren’t happy with. There were a few individuals who put a lot of effort into the game again but as a whole as a team we’re not getting what we should get.

“Maybe there’s a lack of confidence. I would like to see players more pumped up for games – whether that’s to do with confidence I’m not sure.

“I hate to question players’ commitment but something’s missing at the moment. The players are down and we’ve got to pick them up somehow.

“We need to ask questions and as a team of coaches we need to work out what the best thing is to do.”

Ramsden also wants the players to play less tentatively – but he remains confident the players have what it takes to kickstart their campaign.

“I sometimes feel the players don’t open up enough,” he said.

“We only seem to open up when we’re chasing games. We seem to start games poorly and too tight.

“I think it has a bit to do with confidence. We need a game where things we train for come off from the start which will then spark some confidence in the players.

“Apart from the Halifax game where we had a reasonable start, we’re finding ourselves with the game going away from us.

“We need to throw the ball about, attack areas better, look up more to play what’s in front of us, and attack with more push and endeavour.”

Meanwhile, hospitality boxes are available for the Knights’ Carnegie Challenge Cup fourth round tie at home to Sheffield on Sunday.

A box for ten people costs £300, plus VAT, and includes access to the sponsors’ lounge from 12.30pm, two-course pre-match meals, match-day programmes, tannoy announcements and a signed, framed Knights team photo.

Individual hospitality is also available at £30 + VAT per person.

Anyone interested can phone on 07949 966686.

Standard match-day admission prices apply for cup games, with adult season tickets not counting. The prices is £14 for adults, £10 for over 65s and students, and £5 for under-16s, with a £2 transfer to seating. Knights and Eagles junior season ticket holders can gain free entry.

Supporters wishing to access Bar 13 before the turnstiles open at 1.30pm will need to buy a match ticket before noon on Friday from the club’s Roland Court office, phone 01904 767404. A 50p charge is added for credit/debit card transactions.

Vice-presidents can also book a pre-match meal for £5 by noon on Wednesday.