GARY Mills could be in for a hostile welcome when he takes his York City team to Nuneaton in the third round of the FA Trophy.

The City boss is unpopular at Liberty Way due to his two spells as manager at neighbouring rivals Tamworth, with just 16 miles separating the two clubs.

Mills has also enjoyed victories on his last two trips to Nuneaton, masterminding 2-0 and 4-1 triumphs with Gateshead when the two teams were both in the National League.

Looking ahead to the February 4 meeting, Mills said: “I’ve been there a few times in the past, including with Tamworth, which was a local derby and always very tasty, so I might get a bit of a reception from their supporters.”

But Mills will be greeted by one friendly face with his former Nottingham Forest team-mate Steve Chettle now assistant manager at the Warwickshire club.

“I played with Chets at Forest and know him very well,” Mills pointed out.

“He had a great career as a player and he’s now taking steps into coaching and management. He’s also a lovely man and a great lad.”

FA Trophy third round draw: Welling v Lincoln City, Braintree v Dulwich Hamlet, Barrow v Kidderminster, Tranmere v Chelmsford, Macclesfield v Forest Green, Wealdstone v Stockport or Brackley, Nuneaton v YORK, Worthing or Sutton v Boreham Wood.

Kaine Felix, meanwhile, has extended his loan move from York City to National League Stockport until the end of the season.