York City Knights have signed former Hull FC, Barrow and Featherstone centre Ian Bell until the end of next season.

The 26-year-old struggled to settle at his last two clubs, but Knights coach James Ratcliffe is confident he can get the best out of the player.

"We're looking towards the future, he's potentially a very good signing for the club," Ratcliffe told BBC York.

"We've offered him a chance, we've offered him a clean slate and hopefully he'll grab that chance."

He's big, strong, and will certainly add some size to our three-quarters James Ratcliffe

Bell left Barrow last April after reportedly refusing to turn out for their reserves, and was dropped by Featherstone after scoring a hat-trick of tries against Doncaster the previous week, but Ratcliffe is not fazed by that record.

"It's a challenge for the coach to get the best out of any player.

"Having only met the guy twice we need to see what his fitness levels and his skill levels are like, and then we need to see that we're playing him in a position and a system he's comfortable with.

"Size gets you through a lot in the centres and he's certainly got that in his armoury.

"It's a close group of players here, not a casual environment but a friendly environment. If he gets into that - and I'm sure he will because the lads will make sure he will - then he'll be fine."

Bell played his first game for the club in Thursday's reserve game against Hunslet at the Huntington Stadium, his new home base.

"He's big, strong, and will certainly add some size to our three-quarters," Ratcliffe added.

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