YORK CITY will "take some stopping" if they can get off to a good start in Sky Bet League Two, reckons manager Russ Wilcox.

The Minstermen, fresh from a four-day training camp, ramp up their pre-season programme at Harrogate Town tomorrow and Wilcox believes he is forging a strong unit that can have an impact during the upcoming campaign.

Excited by the way his men have bonded at the Champneys Springs Health Resort in Leicestershire, the City chief has highlighted the "good feeling around the place" and is in no doubt his outfit will be much harder to beat next term.

"We got a lot of work into the injured lads," Wilcox reflected on their recent surroundings. "They were in the pool at 7am and were doing four to five sessions a day.

"The new lads had settled in fairly quickly anyway but when you are together 24 hours a day, in a great place like that, all you can do is feel stronger about each other.

"It was also good for the staff. I have got two new members who have already integrated with my group and now with the players.

"It was great for John Schofield and Andy Leaning. It is a massive team effort and I am really pleased with the team I have got in place. There is a good feeling around the place and we are all excited about the forthcoming season.

"Everyone has worked really hard and the attitude and application has been first class. The lads conducted themselves well and everyone has been well mannered and respectful.

"We are hoping we can get that good start – that all 24 clubs are striving for – and if we can do that, we will take some stopping.

"In the three games so far, although the results are not everything, there are things in place that everyone can see will hopefully make us harder to beat."

Having acquitted themselves well against Middlesbrough, Leeds and Sheffield Wednesday, City now go to National League North outfit Harrogate as the side expected to be in charge and Wilcox is expecting a "physical and mental" challenge.

He said: "We are expected to go in there and turn them over – but these are all difficult games. They drew 1-1 with Leeds and it is going to be a new challenge. It will be a little bit more like a League Two type of game and we are ready for that as well.

"I have seen both sides of the coin. I was at Frickley for four years in the Conference and I know what these games are like.

"As a player, you want to show that you should be a professional, that you've been unlucky and to push yourself to be a professional. It's about putting yourself out there and they will be really up for it."

Of his injured quintet, three of whom haven't featured yet in pre-season, Wilcox believes only George Swan has a chance of playing against Harrogate and he admits the clock is starting to tick on their being ready for the opener at Wycombe on August 8.

"George has done some work and the other lads are progressing," said Wilcox of Michael Coulson, Emile Sinclair, Jake Hyde and Eddie Nolan. "They are getting closer but they need to spend some time on the training field.

"It is impossible to throw someone into a match situation straight away without making sure they have got good fitness. It is worrying for a manager when you have got injuries.

"They have all come at the top end of the pitch and the area that certainly needs improvement on from last season. It is a concern. I want everyone fit and available."