RETURNING goalkeeper coach Andy Leaning has hailed the improvements at York City since he was last at Bootham Crescent.

Howden-born Leaning is two months into his third stint with the club that gave him his first break in professional football at the age of 22 following spells as an amateur with York RI and Rowntree.

The former Sheffield United, Lincoln City, Bristol City and Chesterfield custodian was first brought back as a coach by Martin Foyle in 2010 but, a year later, succeeding boss Gary Mills replaced him with Paul Musselwhite, who doubled up as City's reserve keeper.

Having parted company with City as a Conference outfit and returned with the club preparing for their fourth season back in the Football League, Leaning has noticed a difference.

He said: "The training ground is a lovely place now. A lot of money has been spent on irrigation for the playing surfaces and family rooms. It's important to have those facilities at a football club.

"We've also got the new stadium coming along and, hopefully, we can create some enthusiasm going into there."

On renewing his association with the Minstermen, Leaning added: "I have a sentimental feeling for this club.

"I watched my first game at Bootham Crescent and started out in professional football here. I'm really looking forward to the new season and, hopefully, we can make it one to remember."

After leaving City the last time, Leaning went on to join Neil Warnock at Leeds United but left a turbulent Elland Road last summer.

Detailing how he has been filling his time since, the 52-year-old said: "I've kept in contact with the game and had a couple of offers that I declined.

"I've also been topping up my badges and qualifications and, sometimes, an enforced absence rest comes along and does you good. It's recharged my batteries and I'm looking forward to getting going now."

Familiarity, meanwhile, will make City's new-look coaching team forge a close-knit unit, according to the fresh recruit.

"I've come across (manager) Russ (Wilcox) in the game when he was assistant manager at Sheffield Wednesday and I was goalkeeping coach at Sheffield United, so I was pleased when I got the call," explained Leaning.

"We had some good battles then and we've been talking about a few recently.

"I also know John Schofield from my playing days with Lincoln and Cressie (Richard Cresswell) from when he was a player with us at Sheffield United."