Alex Pattison close to York City return

Fans’ favourite Alex Pattison could soon be back at York City.

City manager Martin Gray has confirmed the club are working closely with Middlesbrough to bring the talented midfielder back to Bootham Crescent.

Gray spoke to the media for the first time in five weeks on Thursday (February 1), and delivered the welcome news that Pattison could be in the City squad again within 24 hours.

‘He was magnificent’

The 20-year-old attacking midfielder played five times in his one month loan spell between December and January and soon became a fans’ favourite.

He returned to Middlesbrough before City’s victory over Bradford Park Avenue last month, and was thought to be looking for a move to a Football League club.

However, with the window shut, Gray is now looking to bring the youngster back to the City to give his squad the extra push for promotion they need, with 14 games remaining. He said:

We are working hard and are hoping to have something done by the weekend.

We are working very closely with Middlesbrough and we are hoping that in the next 24 hours, he will be in this building until the end of the season.

His ambition was to play in the Football League, but coming here is a great learning curve for him.

I thought he was magnificent when he was last here and I hope he can come back with us and strengthen the squad going forward.