Knights chief exec to stand down

York City Knights chief executive John Guilford has announced his intention to step down at the end of the season.

Guilford has been involved at the club since 2003. He will put his shares up for sale but is willing to help new owners to ensure the club survives.

Guilford said in a statement: "I believe now is the time to step down and give others the opportunity to take the club forward.

"I've always put the club first and now is the time to put my family first."

He continued, "Some of the insults they [his family] have taken are unwarranted and I am not prepared to let this go on.

"My family and I have worked full time, seven days a week for the club for no remuneration what so ever.

I have taken the club as far as I can its now up to others to move it forward

Knights Chief Executive John Guilford

"Initially I was asked to invest £55,000 to help the club raise the £75,000 it needed to get back into the Rugby League, but circumstances changed very quickly. I was then involved full-time and the time and money put in over the last seven years amounts to hundreds of thousands of pounds".

The chairman of the supporters' club, Gary Hall, has been asked to join the board to ensure the club moves forward alongside general manager Ian Wilson and the rest of the club's staff.

Guilford also said he does not want to make any profit from the sale of his shares.

"Any profit from the sale will go to the York City Knights Foundation. I still have the club at heart and will help the new owners if required to ensure it survives and prospers, but I have taken the club as far as I can. It's now up to others to move it forward."

Knights general manager Ian Wilson said: "It has been a pleasure to work with John and I know that deciding to leave was not an easy decision.

"I am sure that the cub will continue to prosper and now, more than ever, we need the supporters to do what they do best and support the club. I also urge any interested parties or individuals to contact the club should they wish to become involved."