York City's new youth coach Jonathan Greening could be pressed into first-team duty

Greening, who turns 36 on January 2, started his new role working with City’s 16 to 18-year-old scholars this week but could be pressed back into senior action if the need arises.

The Scarborough-born midfielder made 13 appearances for Nottingham Forest in the Championship last season with his final outing coming as recently as May.

Since September, he has been turning out for City’s semi-professional neighbours Tadcaster Albion, helping the Brewers establish a commanding lead at the top of the Northern Counties East League table.

Greening played for Manchester United, Middlesbrough, West Brom and Fulham in the Premier League and won 17 England under-21 caps after kicking off his career with the Minstermen.

He was also an unused substitute when the Red Devils famously beat Bayern Munich 2-1 to win the 1999 Champions League final.

In the past, two of Wilcox’s recent predecessors Martin Foyle and Gary Mills have turned to members of their coaching team with the former selecting Steve Torpey after he had hung up his professional boots and the latter making his goalkeeping coach Paul Musselwhite the club’s oldest-ever player when he was a member of the 2011/12 side that secured a Conference play-off place at the age of 43.

Wilcox stressed that Greening has been brought to Bootham Crescent for his coaching credentials but added that he would not rule out a possible first-team call-up in the right circumstances.

“He has come in as a coach, so that’s his first port of call, but you never know what might happen further down the line,” the City boss said of Greening’s arrival at Bootham Crescent. “If we pick up injuries, then we know he’s been a top, top, quality player, who performed at the highest level.

“He’s still only 35, so it’s something we could consider in the future but, at this moment in time, he’s come in with a wealth of playing experience that will, hopefully, benefit our youth players.”