RICHARD Brodie is determined to create better happy memories at York City following his return to Bootham Crescent.

The 28-year-old forward has signed a one-year deal with the Minstermen, having left National League North outfit Stockport last month.

Brodie’s previous spell with City saw him plunder 37 goals in a season – the club’s second-best return of all time – before he left for Crawley in September 2010.

During that final full season, he bagged a memorable brace to knock Crewe out of the FA Cup and a late winner against Luton in the Conference play-off semi-final home leg.

But he is now hoping to eclipse those moments, saying: “I don’t really want to talk about when I was here before, because whatever was done is in the past. I’m just focussing on what I’m going to do now.

“My meeting with the manager wasn’t a long one. He wanted to know that I wouldn’t be coming back for sentimental feelings and I’m not.

“Yes, I’ve always had dreams and aspirations about coming back and I never thought they would come true, but they have and I’m here to complete unfinished business. I didn’t manage to get the club promoted the last time I was here and we lost at Wembley twice.

“I’ve got a real desire to put that right and I’m excited more than anything. I can’t wait to get back on the pitch that gave me so many great memories against the likes of Crewe and Luton.

“I want to make more memories and put smiles on people’s faces. I will be coming in for pre-season to get as fit as I can and I’m more determined and focussed than I’ve ever been in my career.”

Brodie has never been as prolific since he left the Minstermen during spells at Crawley, Fleetwood, Morecambe, Hereford, Southport, Aldershot and Stockport.

He is not promising a haul to match his previous City heroics either, but insists he will still contribute in front of goal, while vowing to give “110 per cent” at all times.

“I’ve not scored as many goals since I left, but my record in the Conference is still one in three,” he pointed out. “I scored 15 goals for Southport a year ago when they finished fourth from bottom and it’s a fact that, if we create chances, I will score goals.

“I’m not going to say I’ll get 60 in the next two seasons, because that might not happen, but I will guarantee 110 per cent effort, commitment and desire and, when I pull that shirt on, it will be with pride. Sometimes I won’t have a good game but, if that’s the case, I will be doing my best to make sure my opponent doesn’t either.

“I am here to let my football do the talking and to show people what I can do. The more people that doubt me, the more that will spur me on.”

City boss Jackie McNamara has suggested this opportunity could be Brodie’s last stab in the professional game with the former Newcastle Benfield Bay Plastics forward in partial agreement, although he has turned down more lucrative moves to rejoin his old club.

“It probably does feel like my last chance in full-time football, although I did have offers to go to other clubs,” he explained. “My decision was made, though, once York were interested.

“It’s not about money for me. I’ve done alright in my career with that side of things and I have been offered stupid money to stay in the National League North.

“It would have been easy for me to take that, but I’m as ambitious and hungry as I’ve ever been and it’s about enjoying my football. I’m happy off the field with my baby boy on the way in August to concentrate on, so every aspect of my life is great and that will help me do my best on the field.

“I’ve got a spring in my step and I want the six weeks to fly by before pre-season. I won’t be going on holiday and I will be going to the gym every morning.”

Brodie has also suggested that City supporters will witness a more complete player than the raw talent that left North Yorkshire six years ago.

“I’ve still got the legs to run the channels but, once I left York, the likes of Fleetwood, Crawley and Morecambe all played 4-3-3, so I was the target man rather than going in behind,” he pointed out. “I can still do that, but I can also hold the ball up and win nearly everything in the air.

“The manager has said he wants me to get the ball, lay it off and get in the box and, if my head has to go in somewhere, it will go in. Sometimes, I have been over-enthusiastic in my career but I have calmed down a little in that sense, which comes with playing games because you have to be clever and use your experience to benefit the team.”