RUSS WILCOX has finally got his man - and he is delighted.

The York City manager made his first signing of the summer when he landed 23-year-old striker Vadaine Oliver.

The Sheffield-born hit-man, who first encountered Wilcox at the Sheffield Wednesday academy where he started his fledgling career, has signed a two-year deal.

Said Wilcox: "We've been after Vadaine for a long time and a lot of work has gone into this deal.

"He played against us twice for Mansfield where he was on loan from Crewe last season and he was a real handful.

"I tried to get him after his first month at Mansfield, but that did not work out.

"But I am delighted to have signed Vadaine. People say he is a target-man, but he is much more than that. He is quick, good in the air and he scores goals, as his record has shown."

Having come through Wednesday's youth system, Oliver joined Lincoln City in 2012. He scored 14 goals for the Imps from 2012 to 2013, the majority in the Conference.

He joined League One club Crewe in June 2013 for an undisclosed fee but has now been snapped up by Wilcox.

The City boss added: "After his time at Sheffield Wednesday he showed great character to drop down to Lincoln and get his career back on track.

"I believe he has been what we have been missing over the past season."

Oliver explained it was the influence of Wilcox at Sheffield Wednesday that led him to his senior debut for the Owls and it was City chief's powers of persuasion that convinced him to become a Minsterman.

"He's taken me to the training ground and shown me the plans for the new stadium and I feel York is the place to be for me," he said.

"I want to be playing regularly and scoring goals and this move gives me that opportunity."