Ford insists ‘he is the boss’

YORK City Knights head coach James Ford says that there is no truth in the suggestion that dual-registration club Hull KR’s boss Tim Sheens picks the Knights team for a match day.

That has also been backed up by Rovers boss Sheens, York’s partnership with Hull KR is now going into its second season. However there were recent suggestions that Sheens would be having a more active role in York after comments appeared by both himself and a Hull KR player in the Hull Daily Mail.

Sheens told the Hull Daily Mail: “A number of our younger guys will be playing at York this year but also those who are coming back from injuries could also go there for game-time.”

This was followed up by comments from Rovers youngster Joe Cator who said: “James Webster had pulled me aside and told me I’d be featuring a lot at York.”

However Ford has now come out and clarified the situation that lies between both clubs, and says that in no way shape or form would Rovers boss Sheens be picking his York side.

Ford told The Press: “We’ve got a good relationship with Hull KR. There will be players offered up to us on dual-reg, but there is no obligation for me to pick them.

“We want to win as many games as we can, if that includes four dual-reg players, it includes four dual-reg players, if it includes no dual-reg players, it includes no dual-reg players.”

Sheens added: “I found it really beneficial last year sending a number of players to York for a couple of weeks before reintroducing them into our side. I want every player to have a match at least every two to three weeks, and our partnership with York gives us just one option to do so.”

“We will be working around what James wants, hopefully it works out as a good partnership, we’re not taking away any of their autonomy. We want to see York go to the next division, we both want to deliver and, with the right people and, touch wood, not too many injuries, we will be a strong pair.

“I’m really looking forward to working with them, James has done a great job, they’ve got a few classy players, I think York are a side that will give plenty in that division.”