York have confirmed that captain and rugby league veteran Tim Spears has signed a new contract with the club for 2021.
Spears joined the club ahead of the 2017 season and has had a huge influence on the side, including helping guide them to promotion into the Championship in his first season, before leading the Knights to a third-place finish the following year.
He has made over 400 career appearances, over 70 of which have come for York and becomes the 26th member of James Ford’s squad for next season.
In addition to his playing duties, Spears will also take on a new role to create closer links between the club’s players, fans, and the work of the York City Knights Foundation.
“I’m delighted,” he said. “I’m really looking forward to getting my head down and working as hard as I possibly can to be the best I can be in 2021.
“The club is in such a healthy place. You look at the stadium, the calibre of players we’ve signed and the calibre of players we’ve retained as well – it’s the place you want to be.
“Looking back at my time with the club, the fans welcomed me with open arms and have always been great with my family and me.
“To have that role to improve people’s experience around the Knights, either from a player or fan perspective, is an exciting one and something I’m really looking forward to.”
Knights head coach Ford added: “Tim is a very driven and focused young man who sets and upholds the highest standards. He’s been key to our progress and will be central to the direction we’re aspiring to go in.
“Tim will also be picking up some off-field duties which I believe will really help us continue to grow. Tim’s mental qualities and experience will be vastly important for us in 2021.”