York City manager Colin Walker has given his backing to his current York City squad by declaring his squad is already "complete", whilst their fellow promotion rivals are still desperately trying to strengthen their sides.
The summer's inevitable recruiting spree has seen the club strengthen significantly already, bringing midfielders Steven Hogg. Niall Henderson and Ben Wilkinson, utility player Mark Greaves, goalkeeper Michael Ingham, and striker Daniel McBreen to Ki
tKat Crescent.
The news that the summer's transfer business has been completed so efficiently is a welcome boost to the club's fans ahead of York's anticipated push for promotion back to the Football League.
Ministermen boss Walker was quick to pay tribute to the backing he has received from the club's board over the summer, in particular over their assistance in bringing popular former loanee McBreen back to the club.
"I've been very lucky with the board - there was a big chance that we may not have got McBreen but the board came to the party and I'm really pleased. I've got to really thank the board for helping me."
Walker was similarly enthused with the prospect of having the Australian hitman back at the club.
"He's got that Australian mentality, which is a winning mentality, and a work ethos which is very, very good. I'm sure he'll bring that to the rest of the squad."
The Minstermen manager's admission that his transfer activity for the summer is over also serves to underline the club's intention to hold on to hot prospect Onome Sodje, despite reported interest in the explosive striker from FA Cup semi-finalists Barnsley.
The young striker, who scored York's equaliser in the club's pre-season fixture against neighbours Leeds United, scored 17 goals last season, and ended the year as joint leading goalscorer for the club, alongside Martyn Woolford.
The club has moved to distance themselves from reports of his apparent exit, with York City's communications and community director Sophie McGill said: "I can confirm we have not been approached by Barnsley in recent weeks regarding Onome Sodje or any of the York City players."
York City ironically continue their pre-season preparations with a friendly against Barnsley on Tuesday 22nd July at KitKat Crescent.
It is followed by games away at Harrogate Railway July 25, at home to Hartlepool United five days later, before a final warm-up fixture against the historic Sheffield Football Club on August 2.
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The full article contains 408 words and appears in Yorkshire Sport newspaper.
