York head coach James Ratcliffe has apologised to the club and its fans after being handed a two month suspension by the RFL last week.

Ratcliffe was given a six month suspension by the RFL, with four months suspended for twelve months, due to a breach of operational rules.

He said on the club's official website: "I would just like to apologise to anyone who has taken offence as a result of my actions.

"Whilst I have no excuses for my actions in this matter I was hoping after four months and taking the above actions into account i would be able to put the whole sorry incident behind me.

"I would like to thank everyone involved in the game who has offered me support over the last sixteen weeks and I can assure everyone that the team is in good hands with Chris and Mick using the Coaching structures we have in place.

"I look forward to returning to the game, which I have been involved in for over 25 years, for our fixture with Doncaster in March."

Player-coach Chris Thorman, signed from Hull in the close season, will take temporary charge in Ratcliffe's absence.

York's start to the season was delayed when their game at Rochdale was postponed yesterday. It has been re-arranged for Wednesday February 17, 8pm kick-off.