York sign Robson, stay at Bootham
York City Knights have signed Ashley Robson from Castleford for an undisclosed fee.
With renewed optimism throughout the club, there was standing room only at a packed out fans forum at Huntington Sports club last night. Knights owner Jon Flatman also confirmed that the club will be playing their home games at Bootham Crescent – home of York City FC – for the next two-years.
Flatman told the York Press: “We are very thankful to both the council and the football club for their support in reaching agreement on the use of Bootham Crescent.
“This two-year agreement provides a home for the Knights in the city and allows us to now grow our business on and off the pitch.
“The facility is suitable for rugby league at this level and above, and I would hope fans are pleased this uncertainty has now been removed.
“We fully respect the agreement with our landlords, the football club, and look forward to continuing to work with them now and in the future.
“The council have provided investment to make the three-way partnership work ahead of the Community Stadium opening and for that we applaud their commitment to rugby league in the region.”
The Knights also announced two pre-season fixtures at Bootham Crescent London Broncos on Sunday, January 29, and Challenge Cup holders Hull FC on Monday, February 13th.
York also confirmed a dual registration partnership with Championship big guns Featherstone for 2017, and season tickets are available now, priced at £140 for adults, £125 for concessions and FREE for under 16s. Matchday prices are £15, £10 and FREE respectively.
Former York Acorn junior Ash Robson joined his hometown club after the Knights paid an undisclosed fee to Castleford to secure his release, thanks to the fans ‘Squadbuilder’ fund.
Knights Head Coach James Ford, who has seen homegrown players Greg Minikin and Kriss Brining leave for Super League in the past 2 years, was delighted to see the new-look Knights club were now bringing a leading York born talent the other way.
He said to York Press: ”I’m really excited to bring in someone with as much potential and ability as Ash Robson. It makes a refreshing change for a club like York to bring one its best young players back to the city from Super League while he’s heading towards his peak, rather than the player going the other way.
“If his circumstances away from the game hadn’t changed, he would still be a Super League player.”
Tigers CEO Steve Gill said: “After discussions between ourselves, York City Knights and Ashley Robson a decision was made to facilitate Ashley with a move to the Knights.
“Ashley’s personal circumstances have changed somewhat over the past few months, and as a club we understood his request to leave. We have a good relationship with the Knights and wish Ashley all the best with his new club.”