“Mark is someone I know really well and I’m excited to work with him again” James Ford explains reasoning behind York City Knights resignation

Earlier today York City Knights announced James Ford had left his role as Head Coach to take up an assistant coaching role with Wakefield Trinity.

Ford enjoyed a long successful spell with the Knights, taking them for League One to competing for a spot in Super League as contenders in the Championship.

His success has earned him a chance to take his talent to the top tier of English rugby league as he looks to continue what is seemingly a budding coaching career. When asked for his reasons for leaving York, Ford explained there was no singular reason other than a needed change.

“There’s no real standout reason as to why I’ve decided to leave the Club. The relationship I have with Clint is strong and I believe in the direction he’s taking it. I think his leadership is certainly going to help the Club take that next step.

“The relationship between everyone at the Club is really strong and, in some ways, I’m really sad to be leaving.

“But every coach’s journey at a club comes to an end. Players and coaches come and go but the Club is still there. It’s in safe hands and I am desperate to see York continue improving and become a Super League club in the very near future.”

He was keen to express his excitement at coming to Wakefield Trinity at working with their new Head Coach Mark Applegarth once again.

“Mark is someone I know really well and I’m excited to work with him again.

“I was also impressed with his work ethic alongside numerous other qualities and characteristics, so when he offered me the opportunity to come to Wakefield I was extremely keen to get on board.

“Mark has spoken about the challenges we’ll face and I’m really looking forward to getting to know everyone at the club and working together on these challenges.

“I’m a West Yorkshire lad and I understand how people in and around Wakefield feel about their rugby.”

Ford now has an opportunity at the highest level and current York Chairman Clint Goodchild believes he has what it takes to go to the very top.

“I personally see James Ford as a future Head Coach of the England national side and I believe that this is simply the next step on that journey for him. Everyone at the club is behind him in this regard.”

A strong claim from Goodchild which could serve as a good indication for Trinity fans for the type of Assistant Coach they are bringing into their club.