York need to embrace Championship, insists Jon Flatman
York chairman Jon Flatman insists the club must enjoy their experience of being in the Championship in 2019.
The Knights are brimming with confidence as pre-season training begins following an impressive on and off the field in 2018, winning the League 1 title as well as winning League 1 Club of the Year and Foundation of the Year awards.
York will ply their trade in the second tier next season and will face Championship big boys Toronto Wolfpack, Widnes Vikings, Bradford Bulls and Toulouse Olympique.
“2019 will see us compete with traditional worldwide renowned Rugby League clubs who are visiting our great city to take on our club,” said Flatman.
“Toronto Wolfpack’s second visit to York will bring back memories of our 2017 victory over their high quality playing roster – the first club to do so in league competition.
“Widnes as a 2018 Super League club will bring a passionate following and a team packed full of stars with points to prove. Bradford, as former World Club Champions and more recently great rivals of ours will always prove a tough test.
“Attendances will rise and we must enjoy the experience. Every game will be at a level of excitement greater than the previous year.”
The 1895 Cup will be introduced in 2019 as part of a new-look Challenge Cup final day, where Championship and League 1 clubs will have a second chance to reach Wembley.
“The introduction of the 1895 Cup is fantastic,” Flatman added.
“It gives clubs like us a very realistic chance of taking part in a wonderful showpiece event on the hallowed turf at Wembley Stadium, and could act as a possible springboard to further success.”