York City Knights unveil new Directors
York City Knights have announced that the club will enter Rugby League’s exciting new era with a new-look Board of Directors that will enable the club to realise its ambitions in 2015 and beyond.
In a significant move for the Kingstone Press League 1 club, four new directors have joined the Board to work alongside Chairman John Guildford.
The quartet are all businessmen with a long-standing passion for both York City Knights and Rugby League in the city and will bring a wealth of expertise and know-how to the club.
The Board was convened, with support from RFL Chief Operating Officer Ralph Rimmer, met for the first time on Wednesday evening when the directors also unanimously agreed to a Deed of Undertaking which limits the power of any one individual at the club to appoint or remove a director.
Having made these significant concessions it is now hoped that these actions will pave the way to the re-opening of dialogue with York Council about the club’s involvement in the proposed new community stadium. To facilitate progress on that front, John Guildford has agreed to step back from direct involvement and a new negotiating team has been appointed.
John Guildford said: “This is a fantastic development for both the club and Rugby League in York and it gives me great pleasure to welcome Stephen, Dave, Neil and Gary to the Board.
“They are all successful businessmen and just as importantly , they are people that care about York ; their presence on the Board will be invaluable in the months and years to come as we strive to make York City Knights a club the whole city can be proud of.
“I would also like to place on record my thanks to the RFL for the important role they have played in making this exciting move happen.”
Ralph Rimmer said: “We have spoken with all parties over the last 10 days and throughout , it has been clear that everyone involved has the interests of York City Knights and York at heart.
“I attended the meeting on Wednesday night and was hugely impressed by the level of commitment shown by both John and also the new board members.
“The importance of the next steps for the club and the stadium are not lost on anyone with whom I have spoken, and this sense of urgency has been demonstrated by the pace at which all involved have worked.”
Meet The Board:
Gary Dickenson, who is York born and raised, is the owner and CEO of Cfast Ltd which is a York based Cosmetic Dentistry Company. Gary formed Cfast in 2010 and with branches established in Singapore, Sydney and the USA, Cfast provides a unique tooth alignment system whichh is now used on thousands of patients around the world each year.
Stephen Knowles has previosuly worked in York for 16 years and is a specialist in Sports Law. Stephen is now Head of Company Commercial at Ison Harrison Solicitors.
Neil Jennings is the managing Director of Centurion Rugby. Having been born and raised in York, Neil, educated at Fulford school, still lives in the city and is passionate about rugby.
David Baldwin was Born in York and went to Manor School. He is currently the Managing Director of Castles UK Ltd, which Manufactures Educational & Residential furniture and has been in the role for 14 years. Dave has followed rugby in York all of his life.