York City Knights are under new ownership.
Former boss Jon Flatman has sold the club to Australian Clint Goodchild. Mr Flatman, who leaves after five years, said he was proud to pass the club on to the new chairman.
“Over the course of eighteen months, there were various conversations and meetings with Jon Flatman, leading us to this point where I am now the custodian of the club,” said Mr Goodchild, who hails from Western Queensland.
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“Conversations began pre-Covid around a potential opportunity to become involved with York City Knights.
“It was obvious to me that the club was being run right, that the business principles and ethics were of the highest order and only a fool wouldn’t show interest in a business with those qualities.
“On the back of that, the fact that it’s rugby league aligns both my head and my heart.
“Moving halfway across the world to York, I’m doing it because there are similarities between Yorkshire and Queensland.
“There is a great deal of pride in being from Yorkshire and the area has a real passion for rugby league. I’m excited to find myself in the heartland of the game and I look forward to continuing the growing connection between the club and its community.”
Huge potential
Mr Flatman said: “This club has enormous potential to be one of most successful rugby league clubs in the country.
“Club of the Year awards, League Winners and the highest finish in the Championship for many years alongside a return to Wembley and the growth of the ladies’ team were personal highlights from recent times alongside, the transition into the magnificent LNER Community Stadium and work alongside York St John University.
“As chairman, I have done everything possible to drive change and improve the organisation. However, I am proud to now pass on the guardianship and ownership of the organisation to Clint Goodchild.
“Clint has undertaken extensive due diligence and has a growth plan for the club, a passion for the sport and full commitment to the inclusive ethos which has grown the club considerably over the past five years.
“Clint brings a wealth of sporting and rugby league knowledge to the club, alongside a drive to succeed and take the organisation to the next level.
“His encyclopaedic knowledge of the game and his sports entertainment background will aid the club and the sport in future years.”
York City Knights said: “Over the last 20 years, Goodchild has built an international reputation of being a business management and operations expert, across multiple industries, including hospitality, events, marketing and sports management.”