With over 200 Super League appearances to his name, Danny Kirmond is one of the top flight’s most recognisable faces but, fresh from signing a deal for 2021 with the Knights, the 34-year-old is excited about the challenge ahead.
“I’m delighted to be joining York for next season,” Kirmond told the club following his signing. “I’ve obviously been at Wakefield for a long time so the next step had to be the right challenge for me,” he added. When asked what made him believe the move was the best one for him, he cited the enthusiasm of head coach James Ford as a huge pull. “I played with James at Featherstone so we already had a good relationship,” he acknowledged. “Having spoken to him in more depth about his ambitions and work ethic, I found this instantly infectious and I knew I wanted to be a part of the club.”
Kirmond will form part of a vastly experienced pack next season, something he believes, from his previous experience in the second tier, will be huge for the team. Acknowledging that his prior Championship experience with Featherstone Rovers before his lengthy Super League spell with Huddersfield Giants and Wakefield Trinity, he noted “I think the experience we have throughout the squad, matched up with the talent and enthusiasm of the youth that we have in the squad should lead to a successful term.”
Ahead of signing for the club, Kirmond discussed the potential move with a former teammate from his time at Wakefield. “I spoke to my old teammate Danny Washbrook who gave the club a glowing reference and explained how much he’s enjoyed his time with the club,” he explained. “I value Washy’s opinion very highly so that was another reason for wanting to join the club.”
Such is the pull of the Knights, the former Huddersfield Giants forward remarked on the progress the club have made in recent years under the stewardship of chairman Jon Flatman and head coach James Ford. “The first thing that strikes me about this club is how forward thinking they are and also how much they want to achieve,” he noted. “Their desire to succeed matches my own and obviously the great set up that the club have in place in terms of facilities and squad were at the forefront of my mind.”
Looking ahead to the 2021 campaign and pulling on the Knights shirt, Kirmond outlined what Knights’ fans can expect him to bring to the club: “I’ll bring a lot of enthusiasm and hopefully pass on some of my experience to younger members of the squad. I want to be part of something successful and the way you achieve that is by working hard.
“That’s what I’ve done throughout my career and I’ll continue to do that in this new chapter!”
While he hasn’t played in front of the loyal Knights faithful yet, Kirmond has been suitably impressed by the incredible show of support from them in recent weeks. “It’s brilliant to see how much the fans have supported the club through these really tough times,” he remarked. “I understand how hard it’s been for people and for 93% to donate their memberships back is unbelievable.
“I can’t wait to run out in the new stadium in front of all the fans of the club, I’ve heard great things and can’t wait to get started!”
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