YORK City Knights' recent spending spree might yet continue.

Head coach James Ford has not ruled out more signings in the coming days or weeks following the triple move late last week.

Playmaker Liam Harris and packmen Tyler Dupree and Harry Aldous all arrived on loan from Hull, Leeds and Newcastle respectively and made debuts in the Summer Bash loss to Featherstone in Blackpool on Saturday.

Asked if further recruitment was possible as the Knights bid to continue vying for an unlikely play-off place - with a tough trip to Widnes next up on Sunday - Ford said: "We're always looking to strengthen the squad.

"If there's a player we feel is the right fit, who would help the team and help us go forward, we will consider it.

"We're always looking and talking to people.

"The more support we get off the field the more it can help the club manoeuvre itself into a stronger position. Every bit of support will contribute to helping this club go forward."

It would seem, however, that fan favourite Joe Batchelor is unlikely to return for a second time to Bootham Crescent after he turned out for Championship rivals Leigh Centurions on Sunday.

Having joined St Helens over the winter, the former Press Player of the Year came back to York on a supposedly season-long loan in February and made six further appearances for the club only to be recalled by the Super League leaders at Easter.

The second-row made two first-team appearances for Saints but then slipped back down the pecking order - and was sent out on dual-reg to Leigh at the weekend, featuring as a substitute in their victory over Widnes at the Summer Bash.

Ford said: "If St Helens are willing to let him go on loan, we will look at it certainly.

"It's not for me to pick the Leigh team but he would be close to getting into any team in the Championship."

Meanwhile, Ford suggested Aldous might get a longer stay at York if his one-month loan proves successful.

On former Hull KR youngster, Ford said: "I wanted to sign him a couple of times. He's tough and there's lots of intensity about his defence. He can play with the ball too. He's a good player.

"I admire the aggression he brings. I know he's a Newcastle player for the season but if he goes well here hopefully we can do something longer-term."

Asked why the League One club would have let him go out on loan, Ford reasoned: "He's had an ankle issue and missed a game. A new coach has come in (Simon Finnigan) and other people have put their best foot forward, and he's not been in a position to give Harry an opportunity. They've also signed Joel Edwards (Australian former Knights prop) and he's a tremendous player.

"We enquired about Harry and he's come here."

Fellow packman Dupree, meanwhile, only played about 15 minutes off the bench on Saturday and struggled to make an impact going forward as the Knights spent the majority of that time defending during Rovers' purple patch.

Ford is hopeful more can come from the teenager.

"Tyler Dupree is a big unit and carries the ball well," he said. "He's got some good deception and can play a bit.

"He's got some stuff he needs to work on but he's aware of that. He's got plenty of time to develop and in time he could have an impact at Super League level if his attitude is where it needs to be."

Ford also revealed the Knights had remained in touch with Edwards with a view to re-signing him. However, it proved difficult to come up with a package needed to get him over from Australia again, including accommodation and work outside of rugby in addition to wages.

"I'd always been in contact with Joel," said Ford. "We would have liked to bring him back but we weren't in a position to do that. We wish him all the best and we'll have a catch-up soon."