James Ratcliffe sacked as York City Knights coach

James Ratcliffe spent 11 months as coach of York City Knights

York City Knights have sacked coach James Ratcliffe following a mixed season so far in Championship One.

Ratcliffe, who spent 11 months in the post, will be replaced by Dave Woods, who was previously director of rugby.

Knights general manager Ian Wilson told BBC Radio York: "The results haven't been as good as we'd anticipated. We expected to be in the top two.

"Dave Woods will take over as head coach with immediate effect tomorrow night at training."

Ratcliffe came to York as director of rugby while Paul March was in charge and took over in July 2009 when March was sacked.

The process has now been repeated, with director of rugby Woods replacing Ratcliffe, who won seven and lost six of his 13 league games at the helm this season.

There's still a realistic chance of going up via the play-offs

General manager Ian Wilson

"It's never easy when you're letting somebody go," added Wilson. "He goes with our best wishes and we hope that he gets back into the game soon.

"You've got to think of the best interests of the club moving forward and we feel we've done so with the decision.

"No-one can dispute the work that James put in over the last two years, but unfortunately things haven't worked out for him.

"Dave Woods has got a bit more experience than we've had previously. He's coached at first grade level for Castleford and Gateshead and got both those clubs promotion.

"They are the main things we think we need, somebody to steer the ship really and hopefully take us forward.

"There's still a realistic chance of going up via the play-offs."

York are currently fifth in Championship One, 10 points off top spot, but comfortably in contention for a top seven finish and a place in the end -of-season play-offs.