York City Knights forward Mark Applegarth is keen to give the club and it's fans a season to remember.

The 24-year-old returned to the Knights last week after taking some time out from the game in the close season.

Applegarth told BBC Radio York: "I felt I let York down last year, I had a few off field problems.

"York put a bid in. I had a few better offers but in my heart of hearts I felt that I owed them a good season so here I am," he said.

Applegarth started training with the Knights last week ready for the first game of the season in the Northern Rail Cup against Whitehaven on 8 February.

However he said he had been ready to give up rugby league at the end of last season.

"If you'd have asked me this two months ago I would have probably said I wasn't going to play this year," said Applegarth.

Last year was a major disappointment for me. I'm sure the club was a bit disappointed and in a way I felt guilty Mark Applegarth

"I watched a couple of games on TV and a few of my mates started pre-season training again and I got the bug back.

"Now that I've got a full-time job my focus was really on that, getting that established and progressing my career that way.

"But I think that break has done me the world of good. I'm feeling refreshed and ready for the new campaign."

The former Wakefield Academy player finished last year strongly and said he wants to pick up his form where he left off.

"Last year was a major disappointment for me. I'm sure the club was a bit disappointed and in a way I felt guilty," said Applegarth.

"It was like I was taking money off them and I wasn't really paying them on the pitch, especially the fans.

"York have got some of the most vocal fans in rugby league and I felt I owed them a decent season too.

"I know what I can do. Last year was pretty embarrassing if I'm perfectly honest so I'm looking for a big year."

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