York Knights have announced that a locally based ownership consortium has agreed to acquire a majority stake in the club. The new partnership is led by York entrepreneur David Dickson and his family, and the transfer of ownership for both the men's team, York Knights, and the women’s side, York Valkyrie, is now moving through the necessary formalities with the Rugby Football League for final approval. The timing of this change comes on the back of a historic period for the club.
At the close of last season, York Knights earned promotion to the Super League for the first time in their history, a milestone that has already seen them settle into a mid‑table position, currently 12th in the competition. Meanwhile, York Valkyrie have continued their dominance in the women’s game, clinching back‑to‑back Betfred Women’s Super League titles in 2023 and 2024 and sitting third in the current league standings.
In conjunction with the ownership shift, senior leadership at the club is also being restructured. Long‑time chairman and chief executive Clint Goodchild has stepped down from his dual role. The club’s 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 the transition. A formal statement from York RLFC expressed deep gratitude to Goodchild for his contributions.
"The club would like to put on record our appreciation and thanks to Clint Goodfield for his time as custodian of the club," the statement read. "His vision, ambition and drive saw the club progress during his tenure at an incredible pace." The statement went on to highlight the remarkable achievements that have followed a recent re‑branding effort. "Following a successful re‑brand of the club, unprecedented on‑field success followed with York Valkyrie securing back‑to‑back Betfred Women’s Super League titles and York Knights not only winning the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup at Wembley, but also gaining promotion to the Betfred Super League in 2026 for the very first time in their history," it continued. The new owners emphasized their commitment to building on this momentum.
"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 release said. Over the next few weeks, the consortium plans to unveil a detailed strategic roadmap that will guide the club through the climax of the 2026 season and lay the groundwork for the 2027 campaign. Goodfield, reflecting on his tenure, offered heartfelt remarks: "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." The announcement also touched on broadcasting arrangements for the upcoming Super League season. Sky Sports will televise every match live, with two games each round being shown exclusively on the main channel and the remaining five fixtures available via Sky Sports+.
Beyond the immediate news, the takeover signals a broader trend in rugby league where community‑focused investors are stepping in to secure the long‑term viability of clubs. By keeping ownership local, the group aims to deepen ties with fans, local businesses, and municipal authorities, ensuring that the club remains a central pillar of York’s sporting identity. The owners have hinted at potential investments in youth development pathways, upgraded training facilities, and community outreach programs designed to nurture the next generation of players and supporters. In addition, York Valkyrie's continued success is expected to receive further backing.
The women’s team, having already established itself as a powerhouse, will benefit from shared resources, marketing initiatives, and joint ticketing schemes that could boost attendance at both men’s and women’s fixtures. This integrated approach is intended to create a unified brand for York RLFC, fostering cross‑promotion and greater visibility for the sport across genders. As the 2026 season approaches its climax, anticipation builds among supporters eager to see how the new ownership will translate ambition into tangible results on the field.
The strategic plan slated for release in the coming weeks is likely to outline objectives such as solidifying the club’s Super League status, expanding the fan base, and enhancing commercial partnerships. With the backing of a dedicated local consortium, York Knights and York Valkyrie appear poised to embark on a new chapter of growth, competitiveness, and community engagement.