NOT that I ever like writing anything about Sir Alex Ferguson given my allegiance to Manchester City, but the Scot did come up with a comment which has become a widespread sound-bite at the end of seasons when there’s all to play for – “squeaky bum time”.

And it is that little phrase which has been replaying in my mind for the last week or so, as York City Knights and their superb clan of supporters head into the last five games of the Co-operative Championship season.

As is widely known among the rugby league fraternity, league chiefs are not known for leaving league formats and structures alone for too long and there is much talk of another reshaping of the Championships next year. However, as far as we are aware, there will still be two clubs getting relegated at the end of this season, and the Knights are one of three currently battling to avoid the drop.

Boss Dave Woods says the pressure is greater on the other two, Dewsbury and Hunslet, as York are currently in the box seat and it is that pair who are in greater need of points.

But I’m not so sure.

Firstly, as it currently stands, York have more to chuck away, and, secondly, the Knights have a harder job on paper to pick up more points from here on in.

It must be assumed given each teams’ respective run-ins, that Hunslet could quite feasibly pick up at least one win (v Dewsbury or Barrow, twice) and/or Dewsbury could get two (v Hunslet and Toulouse), thereby putting either at least level with Woods’ men.

As for any changes to the leagues, the Knights can certainly not go into this last quintet of matches thinking they will be saved by decision-makers, regardless of where they finish. In fact, it seems even more important, if there is to be a restructuring of the league, be it this winter or next, that the Knights head into it from a position of strength – ie from a place in the higher tier. That perhaps adds more pressure to “squeaky bum time”.

What is encouraging for York fans is the fact much of this team – and Woods himself – have experience of pressure situations and have seemingly thrived on them.

Remember last season? Defeat in the play-offs at Oldham left them needing to beat big-spending Blackpool and Oldham on consecutive weekends and they did so in memorable fashion, especially against the Roughyeds in that Grand Final, when hardly a “squeak” was heard as they gave arguably the most complete performance of the year on the biggest occasion of the year.

Coincidentally, the Knights face a club tomorrow who beat them the last time they were in a Grand Final – Halifax.

That was back in 2004 when Richard Agar’s flamboyant team showed the bad, the good and the bad (again) side of their personality over 80 minutes, when they fought back from a dodgy start to take a commanding lead only to lose it at the end – showing signs of the squeaky bum effect.

Halifax have since gone on to greater things and to their credit have played their part in two of the best finals of recent times, when winning last season’s Grand Final and losing last weekend’s Northern Rail Cup final in thrilling fashion.

York fans will be hoping they will be worn out by last Sunday’s endeavours – as the men from the Shay, given the league standings, represent the Knights’ most obvious source of points from now on. The players must expect the opposite, however. They must expect them to be one of the best teams in the division, as that performance against the league’s joint leaders indeed showed. The Halifax club may also want to prove a point to the RFL over their application for a Super League franchise, with the decision over licences pending, and they need the points to get into the play-offs and defend their crown.

Another usual catchphrase towards the end of seasons is the one that says there’s sure to be “plenty of twists and turns to come in the next few weeks”.

I’m not sure this saying will apply here.

I might be wrong but I suspect the league standings won’t twist and turn much over the next month or two – but there could well be one major turning point which could make or break it for either of York, Hunslet or Dewsbury.

Basically, one of the three needs to pull off a big result from somewhere. If York can do it tomorrow, it may make for a less squeaky final few weeks for Woods’ men and the Huntington Stadium faithful.

WHAT is certain at times like this is the fact fans can play a big part in proceedings.

It is often said that nervousness, quietness or frustration in the stands can relay itself onto the pitch. But, likewise, passion and belief can transmit itself, and it is to this end that Knights fans are asked to get behind their team like never before in these last five games. If a player does something good, cheer them loudly; if one makes a mistake, cheer louder still.

THERE were a few places available yesterday on the supporters’ bus for tomorrow’s match.

Assuming those seats are still free, fans can turn up and pay on the day at any of the pick-up points, which are the Ainsty (12.15pm), Clarence Street (12.30pm) and Huntington Stadium (12.45pm). Prices are £14 for club members and £18 for non-members.

Meanwhile, for train times and fares, visit www.tpexpress.co.uk.

Hunslet’s chances of survival have not been helped by player-coach Paul March’s two-match suspension for using foul and abusive language to a touch judge after being sin-binned in the Hawks’ match at Featherstone. (Knights fans know quite well former York player-boss March’s tendency to talk to officials during matches.) However, it remains to be seen how their opponents tomorrow, Barrow, will come through their latest off-field shenanigans and another change of coach.

They will also be without star man Ned Catic, for off-field actions, and potentially top centre Liam Harrison and back-rower Martin Ostler.

Supporters are reminded to encourage anyone who is planning on attending the Challenge Cup final at Wembley to book tickets through the Knights.

The club have tickets available for which they keep £13 from each one sold. To book through the club, phone 01904 767404.

Replica shirts to be sold off for Foundation

THE Knights are set to team up with their local Sainsburys to sell replica shirts at cut prices in aid of the Knights Foundation.

This column previously reported that Sainsburys have made the Foundation – which pays for the Knights’ work in the community – their charity for the year.

And that partnership will now see the Knights donate replica tops to be sold at reduced prices at the Monks Cross supermarket next Friday, from 10am to 5pm, and again on Saturday, August 13.

Every penny made from the sale will go to the charity.