Nick Wright previews this weekend's clash between York City Knights and Hull FC
Alex Reid looks at whether the once ever-present appearance of English clubs in the later stages of the Champions League is set to become a thing of the past
Craig Dobson looks at QPR's decision to sack Neil Warnock and replace him with Mark Hughes
James Tompkinson reviews an excellent pre-season victory for the York City Knights against Yorkshire rivals Leeds Rhinos
The first team, captained by Jonny McWilliams, became the York Futsal Premier League Champions and earned themselves a place in the ‘York Champions League’ after beating off competition from seven other local teams. They finished fifteen points clear of rivals Selby United, who mounted a serious challenge in the earlier stages of the season but were unable to maintain it. In the final weeks, the class of the group of players at McWilliams’ disposal shone through as they romped to a fourteen goal win over Tang Hall to claim the title.
The team had maintained a near perfect record throughout the season and lost just one of their twelve games, winning most by a comfortable margin. Captain Jonny McWilliams scored twelve in just ten games from a defensive position to inspire his team to the title and help to earn himself the York League Player of the Year award. Credit must also go to Andrew Wakeford and Owen Grafham, York’s two most talented players, and surely contenders for a place in the Great Britain University squad. Goal scoring records of seven in eleven games and ten in ten respectively contributed greatly to the eventual success of the team.
Although this year’s team will surely be known as the best the club has had, sadly some key players have now played their last game in blue. Saul Hubbard, this year’s York Player’s Player of the Year, and probably the hardest working on the pitch is leaving. His effort level is simply unparalleled throughout the club and he will be sorely missed.
Perhaps the biggest loss to the club though is Tiago Ogando, a Portuguese defender, who is the only true Futsaller the club has had. His understanding of the game and the way it should be played was a major factor in the team’s success this year and his position is not one which will be easily filled.
The University can be proud of this group of players who have represented it in an up-and-coming sport at a high level and come out on top. Let us hope this is the first of many honours to come for the club.
