JUST days before the start of the new season and optimism is wafting through the corridors of Bootham Crescent, writes Dave Stanford

The feel-good-factor that started at the back end of last season has rolled on through the summer leaving City fans contemplating their most successful campaign in years.

The defensive solidity that saw City suffer just one defeat in their final 12 games, conceding a measly five goals, should be maintained especially with Alan Fettis committing himself to the City cause.

The Northern Ireland international has been in stunning form during pre-season and is already a firm fans' favourite after only a handful of appearances.

York manager Terry Dolan may have missed out on bringing back former loan rangers Peter Hawkins and Mark Bower to Bootham Crescent but the arrival of former England Under-21 international Graham Potter and one-time Brighton skipper Gary Hobson means experience has replaced promise.

Like Fettis, the impressive duo of Darren Edmondson and Peter Swan have pledged their allegiance and with the likes of Wayne Hall and Barry Jones always ready and willing, City should be meanness personified.

Up front, new signing Peter Duffield has shown a keen eye for goal in pre-season, David McNiven could prove a surprise package with his forceful running and Barry Conlon will be confident of boosting his goals tally after a first full season as City's number one hitman.

Importantly too, Dolan has overseen a trouble-free, largely injury-free pre-season.

The settled situation at York contrasts sharply with this time last year and compares favourably with other Division Three clubs, many of whom will be rebuilding well into the new season.

Few clubs can have returned for pre-season with the squad already in place and had the luxury of having five weeks for things to gel.

Off the field, things are also looking brighter.

The prestigious friendly with Manchester United saw Bootham Crescent awash with anticipation and proved the club is working hard to improve the 'match-day experience' for fans.

The decision of Leeds United to play their reserve matches at York can only raise the club's profile and boost the coffers while the York City Supporters' Club is set to realise its biggest membership for many a season.

The scene is set. Now let the good times roll.