York RLFC sold: Local consortium takes over at Knights and Valkyrie
New owners are in charge at York RLFC.
The long speculated takeover was confirmed this afternoon (Thursday).
A locally-based consortium led by David Dickson and his family has reached an agreement to acquire majority shares in the club.
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In a statement, the club said: “The rapid growth and recent successes of the club has 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.
“Over the coming weeks the club will outline their strategic plans and vision as the 2026 season reaches its climax and preparations for 2027 begin.”
Under his stewardship, York Valkyrie secured back-to-back Betfred Women’s Super League titles and York Knights not only won the 1895 Cup at Wembley, but gained promotion to the Super League for the very first time in their history last year.
In a statement, York RLFC said they wanted to “put on record their 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.”
Clint Goodchild when he took over at York Knights in 2022. Photograph: York City Knights
Current general manager, Neil Gulliver will take the role of chief executive. As a part of this transition, Clint Goodchild has stepped down as chairman and CEO.
Daily operations, player welfare, and match day preparations across both the Knights and the Valkyrie remain entirely unaffected.
On the transfer of ownership Clint Goodchild 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.
A new era for the fans. Photograph: Martin Rickett / PA wire
“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.”
Richard Larking remaining on the board as a director.
David Dickson is a well-known figure in York. Educated at Nunthorpe Grammar he went on to play a leading role in the business life of the city.
He was the chair of the family business committee of Shepherd Group and of accountancy firm Garbutt and Elliott.
He also had leading roles at the University of York and of Science City York.
David has long volunteered at York RLFC, working with the young Knights and Valkyrie players. He was also chair of St Leonard’s Hospice for nine years
