York City FC reveal their first summer signings
Manager Steve Watson has begun to rebuild the York City squad ahead of another promotion push next season.
He has made his first summer signings as Robbie Tinkler and Scott Barrow join City on free transfers.
Versatile defensive player Robbie Tinkler made 30 appearances in the National League with Aldershot Town last season, acting as vice-captain, but has favoured a move to York after rejecting interest from elsewhere.
Left-back Scott Barrow joins after rejecting a new contract with National League North rivals Gateshead in June – a club where he had spent the last three seasons and captained the side.
Time to kick on
The news comes just over a week after the club released 13 players, following play-off semi-final heartache against Altrincham.
“We are looking at lads who can kick on. We don’t want to be releasing a dozen players every year,” Steve said.
“What I’m doing is trying to put a squad together to challenge to not only win this league but who I know can compete higher – that’s the aim.
“If you look at what Simon [Weaver] has done at Harrogate, that squad has been together for three, four, five years in the making and they have achieved their goal.
“I don’t want it to take that long but I want to put a squad together that we can build on going forward.”
Steve and assistant manager Micky Cummins worked with both players in their time at Gateshead.
“If you’ve worked with players before and you’re keen to make them a part of what you are doing it speaks volumes for what I think of them and Micky,” Steve said.
Win the league
Today Robbie Tinkler spoke of Steve’s influence in bringing him to York.
“It was massive, he was one of the things that did sway the decision,” said the 24-year-old.
“I know what he expects and he knows what he is going to get from me and hopefully we can go on to win the league this year.
“I won’t say anything on position but what I will say is wherever I do play I’m going to work hard, it’s part of my game which is a given, and hopefully we can go forward and I can lead the team whether that’s with or without the armband.”
Scott Barrow said: “It’s a club I wanted to sign for and when I got that phone call it was a no brainer really.
“It was a big decision; I’ve been at Gateshead for three years and I was loyal – over the years I could have gone elsewhere – it didn’t go quite the way I planned for the coming season.
“York are a massive club and I’m looking forward to the challenge, the one thing I am missing is a promotion and hopefully this year I can get that done.”
The new signings are subject to FA and National League approval.