LINKING up again with Russ Wilcox was key to defender Eddie Nolan's decision to put pen to paper with York City.

The 26-year-old former Republic of Ireland international has arrived at Bootham Crescent on an initial one year deal and said re-uniting with former Scunthorpe United boss Wilcox had played an important role in his decision to join the Minstermen.

The right back made 40 appearances during Wilcox’s 2013/14 promotion-winning season with the Iron despite being ruled out by injury for six weeks.

But he fell out of favour under new Glanford Park boss Mark Robins last term, making just 11 appearances – including his last in late February – having suffered neck, hamstring and ankle problems earlier in the campaign and was released.

"I just wanted to get back playing football," Nolan said as he was unveiled as a York player. "I had a disappointing season at Scunthorpe. I had an injury which ruined my season - right in the middle of it - and I just want to get back playing. I have worked with Russ before and enjoyed it.

"I was at Scunthorpe for four years and worked with Russ when he was assistant and then when he got the job and got promotion from League Two. I am (now) just looking forward to getting back to playing regularly and helping York.

"I have jumped at the chance to come here. Personally, I think he is a good man manager. He tells you straight out - there is no messing about - and I think he is a very good coach. He has his teams organised and then we play some good football. I definitely wanted to come here. It's a nice training ground and there is the stadium next season. It's a nice city too."

The 6ft defender started his career at Blackburn, where he made one appearance – his debut at the age of 18 in a 1-0 UEFA Cup victory over Nancy, where he played alongside the likes of Robbie Savage, Brad Friedel and Benni McCarthy.

He played in a variety of positions for Wilcox at Scunthorpe – including left back and in the centre of midfield - but is expected to be used primarily as a right back or wing back at Bootham Crescent.

Nolan added: "I am naturally a right back. I started off as a centre-back but, as I got older, I played a lot at full-back.

"I hope to cement a place in that position. If Russ plays with the wing backs like he did last season then you need to have a good engine and a lot of fitness. That is something I enjoy - getting up and down the pitch.

"I was disappointed (to leave Scunthorpe) but it was time for a change. I was there in the Championship, League One and League Two so I played in the three leagues and we had some good times and bad ones when we got relegated. This is a fresh start - a change, a new city and I am looking forward to it.

"York finished the (last) season strongly and were a good bit above the relegation zone. We will be looking to build on that and go higher."

Wilcox, meanwhile, revealed last year's on-loan full back Brad Halliday had signalled his intention to try and press for a spot at Championship Middlesbrough. The 19-year-old is expected to be a part of the Boro squad that visits Bootham Crescent in the opening pre-season friendly on Saturday and Wilcox said: "Brad was a breath of fresh air when he came into the building last season but he’s not our player, so everything is out of our control.

“He’s gone back to Middlesbrough, where he wants to spend pre-season and see what happens."