York Knights have announced that a new, locally‑based ownership consortium has agreed to acquire a controlling interest in the club. The consortium is led by York entrepreneur David Dickson, together with his family, and the transaction is currently moving through the necessary approvals of the Rugby Football League for both the men's side, York Knights, and the women's side, York Valkyrie. The timing of the takeover comes on the back of a historic season for the club.
At the close of the previous campaign, York Knights earned promotion to the Betfred Super League for the first time in their existence, finishing the regular season in 12th place and securing the coveted promotion spot. Meanwhile, York Valkyrie continued their dominance in the women's game, clinching back‑to‑back Betfred Women’s Super League championships in 2023 and 2024 and sitting comfortably in third place in the current league table. In conjunction with the ownership change, there have been significant shifts in the club’s executive structure. 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 position of chief executive, 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 years of service. "The club would like to put on record its appreciation and thanks to Clint Goodchild for his time as custodian of the club," the statement read.
It went on to highlight Goodfield’s vision, ambition and relentless drive, which propelled the organization forward at an "incredible pace" during his tenure. The statement also celebrated the recent re‑branding of the club, noting that the fresh identity was quickly followed by unprecedented on‑field success.
York Valkyrie’s consecutive Betfred Women’s Super League titles and the Knights’ triumph in the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup at Wembley – coupled with their historic promotion to the Super League for the 2026 season – were cited as evidence of the club’s rapid ascent. "The rapid growth and recent successes of the club have brought immense pride to the city," the release continued.
"The incoming ownership group is fully committed to building on these strong foundations, unlocking York Knights’ true potential and ensuring a sustainable future for both the men’s and women’s teams." Over the next few weeks, the new owners plan to unveil a detailed strategic roadmap that will outline their vision for the club as the 2026 season draws to a close and preparations for 2027 begin. This roadmap is expected to address areas such as youth development pathways, community engagement initiatives, stadium enhancements, and commercial partnerships aimed at strengthening the club’s financial health. Goodfield, reflecting on his departure, said: "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." He went on to thank the many groups that make the club possible: "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." Goodfield concluded with optimism for the future: "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 partnership with Sky Sports will see every Super League match broadcast live throughout the season, with two fixtures each round shown exclusively on the main Sky Sports channel and the remaining five matches streamed on Sky Sports+. This increased exposure is expected to boost the club’s profile nationally and attract new fans to the sport. Beyond the television deal, the new ownership group has signaled its intent to deepen community ties. Plans are under discussion to expand grassroots programs in schools across the region, provide mentorship opportunities for aspiring coaches, and enhance facilities at the club’s training base to meet elite standards.
By investing in both the elite and the grassroots levels, the consortium hopes to create a pipeline of talent that will keep York Knights competitive in the Super League for years to come. In summary, the takeover marks a pivotal moment for York rugby league.
With a local family at the helm, a clear strategic vision, and a foundation built on recent on‑field triumphs, the club is poised to embark on an exciting new chapter that could see it become a mainstay of top‑flight rugby league while continuing to inspire the city of York and its passionate supporters.