York Knights have announced that a locally‑based consortium has reached an agreement to acquire a controlling stake in the club. The investment group is led by York entrepreneur David Dickson, together with members of his family, and the transfer of ownership for both the men’s side, York Knights, and the women’s side, York Valkyrie, is now moving through the necessary formalities and awaits final approval from the Rugby Football League. The timing of the deal is significant because York Knights have just secured promotion to the Super League for the first time in their history, finishing the previous campaign in 12th place and earning a spot in the top tier for the 2026 season. Meanwhile, York Valkyrie have continued to dominate the women’s game, clinching back‑to‑back Betfred Women’s Super League championships in 2023 and 2024 and currently occupying third place in the ongoing season’s table.
In conjunction with the ownership change, a reshuffle of the club’s executive leadership has been confirmed. Long‑time chairman and chief executive officer Clint Goodchild has stepped down from his dual role. The club’s current general manager, Neil Gulliver, will assume the chief executive position, while Richard Larking will remain on the board as a director, providing continuity and institutional knowledge during the transition. A formal statement released by York RLFC expressed gratitude toward Goodchild, noting his pivotal contribution to the club’s rapid ascent.
The statement read: “The club would like to put on record its appreciation and thanks to Clint Goodchild for his time as custodian of the club. His vision, ambition and drive saw the club progress during his tenure at an incredible pace.” The release went on to highlight the extraordinary achievements that have followed a recent re‑branding effort, including York Valkyrie’s consecutive Women’s Super League titles and York Knights’ triumph in the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup at Wembley, which was a precursor to the historic promotion to the Betfred Super League. The club’s communication also emphasized the pride these successes have generated across the city of York.
“The rapid growth and recent successes of the club have brought immense pride to the city, with the incoming ownership group being fully committed to enhancing the club’s future, building on these strong foundations, and unlocking York Knights’ true potential,” the statement said. It added that in the coming weeks the new owners will outline a strategic plan and vision as the 2026 season reaches its climax and preparations for the 2027 campaign begin. Goodchild himself offered a reflective farewell, saying: “I brought ambition.
I leave with enough friendships and memories to last a lifetime. On arrival I knew York was a proud rugby league city, but I didn’t know then how much this place, this club and its people would come to mean to 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 immediate leadership changes, the acquisition signals a longer‑term commitment to both the men’s and women’s programs. The Dickson family’s involvement is expected to bring additional resources, commercial partnerships, and community outreach initiatives that could further embed the club within the fabric of York. Their stated aim is to nurture talent pipelines, improve facilities at the York Community Stadium, and expand fan engagement through digital platforms and match‑day experiences.
The broader rugby league landscape will also feel the impact of this transition. Sky Sports has confirmed that every Super League fixture will be broadcast live this season, with two matches each round shown exclusively on the main channel and the remaining five matches available via Sky Sports+.
This increased visibility offers York Knights a national platform to showcase their brand, attract new supporters, and secure sponsorship deals that align with the club’s ambition to become a mainstay in the top flight. In addition to televised coverage, the club is planning a series of community events, youth clinics, and school partnerships aimed at growing the game at grassroots level.
By leveraging the success of the Valkyrie side, the organization hopes to inspire more young women to take up rugby league, thereby strengthening the club’s talent pool and reinforcing its reputation as a leader in gender‑inclusive sport. Financially, the new ownership is expected to inject capital that will be allocated toward stadium upgrades, player recruitment, and the development of a high‑performance centre. These investments are designed to ensure that York Knights can compete effectively in the Super League, retain key players, and attract marquee signings that can elevate the team’s competitiveness on the field. The strategic vision outlined by the incoming owners includes a multi‑year roadmap that balances on‑field success with sustainable growth off the field.
Key pillars of this roadmap are: (1) strengthening the club’s commercial model through diversified revenue streams; (2) enhancing fan experience both at the stadium and through digital channels; (3) expanding community outreach to solidify the club’s role as a civic institution; and (4) investing in coaching, sports science, and player welfare to maintain high performance standards. Overall, the takeover marks a pivotal moment in York’s rugby league narrative.
With a historic promotion, a women’s team that continues to dominate, and a committed local ownership group ready to build on these achievements, York Knights are poised to embark on a new era of ambition, stability, and success. The forthcoming weeks will reveal detailed plans, but the message is clear: the club’s future is bright, and the city of York can look forward to watching its beloved rugby league institution thrive at the highest level.