Mark Applegarth turns attention to 2025 in bid to take York Knights to next level

Mark Applegarth has quickly turned his attention to going one better in 2025 after defying the odds to lead York Knights to the play-off semi-finals.

Following his arrival in June, the former Wakefield Trinity boss oversaw a remarkable turnaround that took the Knights from the relegation zone to a fourth-place finish in the Championship.

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York saw off Widnes Vikings in week one of the play-offs before falling short against runaway League Leaders' Shield winners Wakefield.

Applegarth is predicting another exciting season in 2025 after enjoying his first taste of the Championship as a head coach.

"We want to go better than this year so we need to be in the play-offs as a minimum," he said.

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"Featherstone are spending big under their new owner, Bradford will be up there and Toulouse too if they're not in Super League. Oldham are spending really big and Longy (Sean Long) is a fantastic coach.

"It's got all the makings of another exciting league. Batley will be back and Hunslet did a cracking job to get into the league.

"The beauty of this league is that anyone can beat anyone on the day. You need to make sure you show up every week.

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York enjoyed a memorable run to the play-off semi-finals. (Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com)York enjoyed a memorable run to the play-off semi-finals. (Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com)
York enjoyed a memorable run to the play-off semi-finals. (Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com)

"I'm looking forward to it. It's been fun to coach in and hopefully it's the same next year because it's entertaining for the fans as well."

York made life uncomfortable for Wakefield in both late-season games against Applegarth's old club at Belle Vue.

The Knights were leading with a quarter of the semi-final remaining but allowed a high kick to bounce and there was no way back after Derrell Olpherts' try.

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"Big moments define the outcome in big games," said Applegarth.

Jack Martin is consoled by Will Dagger after the semi-final loss to Wakefield. (Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com)Jack Martin is consoled by Will Dagger after the semi-final loss to Wakefield. (Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com)
Jack Martin is consoled by Will Dagger after the semi-final loss to Wakefield. (Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com)

"Wakefield were on top in the first half and probably fluffed three or four chances themselves.

"In the second half, I thought all the pressure was on them and it showed. We were on the front foot then let that ball bounce and it changed the momentum again.

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"You've got to give credit to Wakefield for hanging in there but it's one of those that got away for us. It's all ifs and buts and Wakefield are in the final this week."

York will have a fresh look in Applegarth's first full season with Ronan Michael, Josh Daley, Nikau Williams, AJ Towse and Will Jubb all moving on.

Applegarth recognises the importance of nailing recruitment in his bid to take the Knights to the next level.

"We've got to make sure we learn our lessons," he said.

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"I'm proud of the effort of all the lads but we don't just want to be happy losers. We've got to make sure we take our medicine and use it as fuel for the fire for next year's push.

"They're a great bunch. It's not just down to me. The whole set-up from (assistants) Will (Leatt), Ged (Corcoran) and Cookie (Paul Cooke) to Clint (Goodchild, owner) and the backroom staff have been great.

"First and foremost the playing group have been outstanding. We're obviously losing a few of them and it's really important we get the fit right for players coming in."

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