PLAYER-BOSS Paul March is almost certain to leave Huntington Stadium at the end of the season amid the fall-out from the shock suspension of six York City Knights stars.

As revealed on this website yesterday, March, director of rugby James Ratcliffe, club captain David March, team captain Paul Hughes and second-row Rob Kelly have all been suspended from first-team duties for Sunday’s Championship One match at Blackpool.

Full-back Danny Ratcliffe has also been suspended from the first team until the end of July – with all five of these players being named in the reserves team that hosts Dewsbury Rams tonight.

The Knights made no further comment on the issue other than to say the six had been suspended following an alleged breach of club discipline at a function last week.

Former stalwart player Mick Ramsden, who returned to the club as reserve-team assistant-coach a month ago, will take charge of the first team on Sunday, although James Ratcliffe may also attend. Ratcliffe and March might also have an input in team selection.

The six were told of their suspensions yesterday, and The Press has learned March was also told his contract as player-coach would not be renewed next season.

He might be offered a deal as a player but The Press understands he would want to continue on the coaching path. He has also slammed the suspensions.

If he does leave, his brother and fellow former Super League star, David, would most probably go with him.

The Press learned the function in question was the Super League match between Leeds and Bradford on Friday night – just 24 hours after the Knights’ victory over Oldham which lifted them to second in Championship One.

There have been allegations they had been drinking and that Danny Ratcliffe had written on a tablecloth while the Knights party hosted a small group of York supporters in hospitality at Headingley ahead of the match.

Director of rugby Ratcliffe has since issued a public apology, see left, but March told The Press: “Nothing happened that warranted a suspension.

“They’re saying we turned up drunk and we were showing disrespect to the speaker. As far as I’m concerned nothing went on like that. It was an enjoyable evening.”

The news will come as a massive blow to the club’s promotion aspirations – just one week after the televised win over Oldham which attracted the club’s second-biggest attendance.

March stressed he would remain focused on promotion, but added: “I think it’s a way of getting people out.

“I’ve been told they won’t be renewing my contract for next season. I doubt David (March) would stay if I don’t.

“I think I’ve shown what I can do as a player and as a coach and I think I’ve got a lot to offer in this league or above.

“I will still be 100 per cent committed to what we have to do to get promoted. After that I have to look after myself and my family and I’m hoping I will get sorted sooner rather than later.”

Tonight’s reserves match at Hun-tington Stadium kicks off at 8pm.

New recruit Jonathan Schofield will make his debut, while Steve Lewis will continue his recovery from knee surgery following his try-scoring exploits in last week’s 52-10 reserves loss to Oldham on his first game back.

Admission is £3 adults and £1 under-16s. Bar 13, the bar at the ground, will also be showing the live Championship match between Barrow and Toulouse.

Elsewhere, former Knights centre and assistant-coach Graeme Hallas has resigned as coach of York’s Championship One rivals Hunslet. Reserves coach Gary Lord has been placed in caretaker charge.

Knights reserves: from Ratcliffe, Lineham, Joe Stearman, Blaney, Lewis, Schofield, P March, Hughes, Jack Stearman, Ekis, Mortimer, Woodcock, Hunter, Walton, D March, Peacock, Watling, Speck, Evans.

The James Ratcliffe statement in full...

“Having been suspended from first-team duties following a complaint regarding a club function last week, which a number of senior players and myself attended, I on behalf of us all would like to issue a unreserved apology to Leeds Rhinos and its guests, York City Knights and all its supporters, and to anyone whom we may have caused offence to.

“Having had a fantastic victory on Thursday evening, we all possibly over-indulged during our weekend away from rugby.

“This was a lack of concentration and in no way do we condone our behaviour. The club have taken what they feel is the appropriate action and no further comment will be made.”