York Knights have announced that a new, locally‑based ownership consortium has reached an agreement to acquire a controlling stake in the club. The consortium 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 this change comes on the back of a historic period for the club. At the conclusion of the previous season, York Knights secured 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 sitting 12th.
Meanwhile, York Valkyrie have continued to dominate the women’s game, capturing consecutive Betfred Women’s Super League titles in 2023 and 2024 and occupying the third spot on this year’s league table. In conjunction with the ownership shift, there have been notable adjustments at the executive level.
Long‑time chairman and chief executive officer 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 retain his role as a director, ensuring continuity in governance.
A formal statement from York RLFC expressed gratitude toward Goodchild, stating: "The club wishes to formally acknowledge and thank Clint Goodchild for his tenure as custodian of the organisation. His vision, ambition and relentless drive propelled the club forward at an extraordinary pace." The statement went on to highlight the dramatic transformation the club has undergone since a recent re‑branding effort, noting that the on‑field achievements have matched the off‑field overhaul. York Valkyrie’s back‑to‑back Betfred Women’s Super League triumphs and York Knights’ victory in the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup at Wembley, coupled with their promotion to the Betfred Super League in 2026, were cited as evidence of the club’s rapid ascent.
The announcement also emphasized the pride these successes have generated for the city of York. "The swift growth and recent victories have brought immense pride to our community," the statement read.
"The incoming ownership group is fully committed to building on these strong foundations, unlocking the full potential of York Knights and ensuring a bright future for both the men’s and women’s teams. Over the coming weeks we will outline our strategic plans and vision as the 2026 season reaches its climax and preparations for 2027 begin." Goodchild, reflecting on his time with the club, said: "I arrived with ambition and leave with friendships and memories that will last a lifetime. When I first came to York I knew it was a proud rugby league city, but I could not have imagined how deeply this club, its people and its spirit would come to mean to me. To the players who sacrifice their bodies, the coaches who demand more, the staff who care 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.
It is fortunate to have such a wonderful Yorkshire family involved, and I am excited for this next York RLFC chapter." The new ownership group, led by Dickson, has pledged to invest in facilities, youth development pathways, and community outreach programmes, aiming to cement York’s status as a rugby league hub in the north of England. They have also hinted at potential stadium upgrades to improve the match‑day experience for fans and to meet the growing demands of a Super League club. From a broader perspective, the change in stewardship arrives at a pivotal moment for the sport. Sky Sports has confirmed that every Super League game this season will be broadcast live, with two matches each round shown exclusively on the main channel and the remaining five fixtures available via Sky Sports+.
This increased exposure is expected to boost the club’s profile, attract new sponsors, and provide additional revenue streams that can be reinvested into the squad and infrastructure. Looking ahead, York Knights will aim to solidify their Super League status, while York Valkyrie will strive to retain their dominance in the women’s competition. Both teams will benefit from the strategic vision laid out by the new owners, which includes a focus on sustainable growth, talent retention, and community engagement.
As the 2026 season draws to a close and preparations for the 2027 campaign begin, York RLFC supporters can anticipate a clear roadmap, ambitious targets, and a renewed sense of optimism for the future of rugby league in York.