Batley Bulldogs' Mark Barlow joins York City Knights

Dave Woods is still looking to add to his squad for 2011

York City Knights have signed utility player Mark Barlow from Batley Bulldogs for next season.

The 26-year-old came through the youth ranks at Super League club Wakefield Trinity Wildcats and can play either at centre or in the back-row.

Knights coach Dave Woods told BBC Radio York: "He's really keen to do well and wants a change, and sometimes a change of club is very good for a player.

"We've taken him on board and I'm sure we can get some good stuff out of him."

Woods added: "He's a player that approached us about coming over and we made some enquiries about him.

He played some really good footy towards the end of last season and he will be missed

Dave Woods

"He can play either at centre or in the back-row. He's had that experience of playing in that league (Co-operative Championship) as well."

Meanwhile, the Knights have confirmed that Danny Ratcliffe has left the club to join Hunslet Hawks.

Ratcliffe, 23, has been with the Knights since 2007 and he was offered a new contract immediately after the Grand Final win over Oldham in September.

However, the Knights were unable to match Ratcliffe's financial demands and the full-back or half-back has decided to link up with former Knights coach Paul March at Hunslet.

Woods said: "Danny's been a great player for us. We said we'd wait until the end of the season and speak to him.

"He wanted the time away on his holiday to think about things. He'll be a loss for us. He played some really good footy towards the end of last season and he will be missed."