York Knights have announced that a locally‑based ownership consortium has agreed to acquire a controlling stake in the club. The new investors are led by York entrepreneur David Dickson and his family, and the handover of ownership for both the men's team, York Knights, and the women's side, York Valkyrie, is now moving through the final stages of approval by the Rugby Football League. The timing of this change comes on the back of a historic season for the club. At the close of the previous campaign, York Knights secured promotion to the Super League for the first time in their history, a milestone that has already seen them positioned 12th in the top‑flight standings.
Meanwhile, the women's squad, York Valkyrie, have continued to dominate the Betfred Women’s Super League, clinching back‑to‑back titles in 2023 and 2024 and currently occupying third place in the current season’s table. In conjunction with the ownership transition, there have been notable shifts in the club’s executive structure. Long‑time chairman and chief executive officer Clint Goodchild has stepped down from his roles. The club’s current general manager, Neil Gulliver, will assume the chief executive position, while board member Richard Larking will remain on the board as a director, providing continuity during this period of change.
A formal statement released by York RLFC expressed deep gratitude to Goodchild for his contributions. The club said, "We would like to formally acknowledge and thank Clint Goodfield for his dedication as the custodian of the club. His vision, ambition, and drive propelled the organization forward at an extraordinary pace during his tenure." The statement went on to highlight the dramatic on‑field successes that have accompanied the club’s recent re‑branding efforts.
It noted that York Valkyrie’s consecutive Betfred Women’s Super League championships and York Knights’ triumph in the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup at Wembley, coupled with their historic promotion to the Betfred Super League for the 2026 season, have brought immense pride to the city. The announcement also underscored the commitment of the incoming ownership group.
"The rapid growth and recent successes of the club have generated great pride for York, and the new owners are fully dedicated to building on this strong foundation and unlocking the full potential of York Knights," the statement read. It promised that in the coming weeks the club will unveil its strategic roadmap and vision as the 2026 season draws to a close and preparations for the 2027 campaign begin. Goodfield himself reflected on his time with the club, saying, "I brought ambition.
I leave with enough friendships and memories to last a lifetime. When I arrived, I knew York was a proud rugby league city, but I didn’t realize how deeply this club and its people would become a part of me.
To the players who sacrifice their bodies, the coaches who demand more, the staff who care far beyond their job descriptions, the volunteers who give their time, the sponsors and partners who believe, and the supporters who keep turning up – thank you for believing. Together we made history. The club is in safe hands and has a very bright future.
The club is lucky to have such a wonderful Yorkshire family involved and I am excited for this next York RLFC chapter." Beyond the leadership changes, the club’s commercial and broadcasting arrangements have also been highlighted. Sky Sports has secured the rights to broadcast every Super League match this season, with two games each round being shown live on the main channel and the remaining fixtures available via the Sky Sports+ streaming platform.
This increased exposure is expected to raise the club’s profile nationally and attract further sponsorship and fan engagement. Looking ahead, the new ownership group, under David Dickson’s stewardship, plans to invest in several key areas. First, they intend to enhance the club’s facilities, including upgrades to the training ground and stadium amenities, to provide players and supporters with a world‑class environment. Second, they aim to deepen community outreach, building on existing youth development programmes and forging stronger ties with local schools and rugby league clubs.
Third, a focus on sustainable financial growth will see the group exploring new revenue streams, such as expanded merchandising, hospitality packages, and digital content initiatives. The strategic vision also emphasizes retaining and attracting top talent. By offering competitive contracts and a clear pathway for player development, the club hopes to maintain its competitive edge in the Super League while continuing to nurture home‑grown talent from the Yorkshire region. The women’s side, York Valkyrie, will receive equal support, ensuring that the club’s commitment to gender equality in sport remains at the forefront of its agenda.
Fans can look forward to a series of community events scheduled throughout the remainder of the season, including meet‑and‑greet sessions with players, open training days, and fan forums where supporters can voice their ideas directly to the new board. These initiatives are designed to keep the club’s loyal fan base engaged and to attract new supporters from across the region.
In summary, the takeover marks a new chapter for York Knights and York Valkyrie. With a locally rooted ownership group, a refreshed executive team, and a clear strategic plan, the clubs are poised to build on their recent achievements and strive for sustained success both on and off the field.
The upcoming weeks will reveal the detailed roadmap, but the message is clear: York RLFC is committed to delivering a bright, ambitious future for rugby league in the city.