Incoming chairman takes charge at York City Knights Rugby League Club
York City Knights and its outgoing chairman Jon Flatman have confirmed a sale of the club has taken place, with new chair Clint Goodchild taking the reins.
Flatman had led the club since late 2016 and spearheaded a turnaround which has seen the club transformed on and off the field.
He said: “Club of the Year awards, League Winners and the highest finish in the Championship for many years alongside a return to Wembley and the growth of the ladies’ team were personal highlights from recent times alongside, the transition into the magnificent LNER Community Stadium and work alongside York St John University.
As chairman, I have done everything possible to drive change and improve the organisation. I am proud to pass on the guardianship and ownership of the organisation to Clint Goodchild.
“Clint has undertaken extensive due diligence and has a growth plan for the club, a passion for the sport and full commitment to the inclusive ethos which has grown the club considerably over the past five years.”
Goodchild, who grew up in Western Queensland, Australia, said: “It was obvious to me that the club was being run right, that the business principles and ethics were of the highest order and only a fool wouldn’t show interest in a business with those qualities.
“I’m excited to find myself in the heartland of the game and I look forward to continuing the growing connection between the club and its community.
“I was fortunate enough to be at Wembley last summer to watch York City Knights play in the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup Final, the club’s first appearance there in 90 years.
“Seeing generations of fans showing their passion and support and having that reciprocated by the players at the end of the match was really special.”
Over the last 20 years, Goodchild has built an international reputation of being a business management and operations expert, across multiple industries, including hospitality, events, marketing and sports management.
The club’s change of ownership was subject to the RFL fit and proper persons test. The ownership change has now received RFL board approval as required.
