YORK City legend Andy McMillan has fought off candidates from Premier League teams to become the new academy manager at Bootham Crescent.

McMillan, who only trails Barry Jackson in the Minstermen's all-time list for appearances with 492 to his name, has returned to his old club after leaving a post as the head of academy coaching at Sky Bet League One Notts County.

The 1993 Wembley hero previously assisted with youth development coaching at City, while running the club's under-16 team in 2005.

He moved on in 2007 to work at Hull City's centre of excellence and was later named the Tigers' enterprise co-ordinator before joining Lincoln City as the assistant head of youth.

McMillan then switched to Barnet in 2012, working under former Holland superstar Edgar Davids as the Bees' youth-team manager and under-21 development coach, but leaving after a season to take up his post at Meadow Lane.

The South Africa-born, 45-year-old will now fill the role vacated at Bootham Crescent by Tony Mee, who has parted company with the club by mutual consent.

On McMillan's appointment, City general manager John McGhee said: "We had some terrific applications for this role, including some from candidates attached to Premier League clubs but, when we received one from Andy, we knew we had found the ideal candidate.

"He is York City through and through and he will fit in so well with the team here and with what is planned for the future. He will provide a fresh vision for the academy, but knows what York City is all about already."

McMillan's arrival coincides with changes to City's Wigginton Road training base that are designed to benefit the first team and the club's junior players.

New changing rooms, classrooms and a viewing lounge are currently being installed, with an "excited" McMillan enthusing: "I am just delighted to have the opportunity to come back to Bootham Crescent and take up the reigns of the academy.

"I am excited at the prospect and really look forward to working with the young players and everyone at the club. There is much to be done, but I can't wait to get started."

City chairman Jason McGill, meanwhile, added: "We are delighted to welcome Andy back into the club. He has a terrific reputation for finding and developing young footballers and we are excited at the prospect of working with him to the benefit of the club, but also for the benefit of the community by giving youngsters the best opportunity to grow into professional players."