THE continuing support for York City by healthcare provider Benenden Health has been hailed as “phenomenal” by Minstermen chairman Jason McGill.

Speaking after the company agreed to be the football club’s main sponsor for another two years, McGill said Benenden Health’s positive impact on the club should not be underestimated.

The City chairman said: “We have been incredibly proud to carry the Benenden Health logo across our shirts for the last two seasons and we are absolutely thrilled to know the UK’s most trusted provider of healthcare will continue their support for another two years.

“This is the start of an exciting new era for the football club and the city of York as a whole. Manager Nigel Worthington has assembled a great squad and we are confident another fresh promotion challenge beckons.

“The support offered by Benenden Health to the football club has played a vital role in enabling Nigel to go out and sign the players he has. It has enabled us to take a longer-term approach in planning and building a squad of players that we hope will make the city of York proud.

“But we like to think our relationship with Benenden Health goes beyond a purely financial agreement. For a club like York City to be associated with a company like Benenden Health is a fantastic coup for us and adds credibility to everything we are trying to do.

“As a community-centred football club, we like to think we share Benenden’s values, ethics and goals. To have the company’s long-term support as we prepare for our move to a new stadium is a real confidence boost. It suggests we are heading in the right direction as we look to build a sustainable club that all supporters will be able to enjoy for generations to come.”

Lawrence Christensen, Group Marketing Director at Benenden Health said: "Following a thrilling climax to last season, we were determined to show our commitment as main club sponsor by agreeing a two year deal.

"Another major factor in the decision is the clear evidence that the club is building strong foundations in all areas of the club structure. It's a really positive time for York City.

"It cannot be overstated just how much Benenden has enjoyed being sponsor of York City for the past two seasons – both as shirt sponsor and as a key partner in the club’s community work.

The board, the club staff, Nigel Worthington, the coaches and all the players have been great to work with. This is helped massively by the ethos of York City as a community club resonating with our own status as a mutual organisation.

There's a lot for Jason McGill and the York City board to be proud of - they can hold their heads high within the Football League in how they approach modern football club management.

"We're really looking forward to the season ahead and want to wish the staff and the players all the very best for the coming year. Come on York."