James Ford knew he was never destined to make it to the top as a player - but is rapidly earning a reputation as one of the best young coaches in the country at York.
The Knights go into Sunday’s game with Batley second in the Championship table after being promoted from League One last year.
They have done so without making a host of star signings and by putting faith in players willing to buy into their team first ethic.
Ford’s stock has risen significant as a result, with Hull Kingston Rovers extensively linked with him prior to Tony Smith’s recent appointment.
He was also part of the England Academy coaching staff when they beat the Australian Schoolboys last year.
But Ford’s focus remains firmly on the continuing development of York, who will move into a new stadium in the city next season.
He said: “I knew my limitations as a player - it was a lack of ability!
“But I felt that some of my characteristics would be better suited to being a coach than a player.
“I was always coaching as a young player at Wakefield College and Lock Lane, and I really enjoyed it.
“I made some mistakes as a young coach but you get forgiven and nobody remembers them because you’re so far away from the public eye when you’re coaching a college under-18s side.”
Ford gave up his teaching career to go full-time with the Knights last season, and he is highly regarded by a number of Super League clubs.
But he sees rich potential at the Knights, who will compete for a place in the top flight this year if they maintain their top five spot.
Ford said of the speculation: “It’s nice, but I don’t really pay too much attention to it.
“In any kind of coaching position you’re three or four poor results away from being linked with the sack, or three or four wins from being linked with another job.
“It’s not something I’ve spoken about in the media because you could talk about jobs you haven’t got all week.
“There’s so much work to do at York that I’d rather invest my energy in that
“The potential there is massive with the new stadium and the facilities we’ve got.
“It’s a big catchment area and there are a lot of very good young players around - it’s great to see the vibe changing and kids wanting to play rugby league in the city.”
