Michael Coulson joins York City (From York Press)

Michael Coulson joins York City

10:50am Saturday 30th June 2012 in Sport By Steve Carroll, Sports reporter

Michael Coulson is pictured after signing for York City

MICHAEL COULSON turned down numerous approaches to join other League One and Two clubs because his heart was set on York City.

The 24-year-old forward said he made his mind up to sign a two-year contract at Bootham Crescent as soon as he heard the club was interested in him, as chairman Jason McGill revealed the Minstermen had beaten a host of outfits for his signature, with Crewe and Scunthorpe among the interested suitors.

Coulson, who started his career at Scarborough and rejected a new deal at Grimbsy Town after starring for them in the Conference last season, has been forced to sit tight as negotiations to bring him to York took several weeks to come to fruition.

“It has dragged on a little bit throughout the summer but we have finally got it sorted and I can’t wait to get going,” he said. “I’m looking forward to meeting all the lads, making some new friends at the club, and kicking on.

“If I’d had it my way, I would have signed there and then when I came a few weeks ago.

“Unfortunately, for different circumstances, that didn’t happen but York was always the club for me. There’s no doubt in my mind. It’s so good to have signed.

“The interest shown in me (by other clubs) was flattering, it really was, and it made me realise that I’d had a good season. As soon as I heard York were interested that was the only club I had my heart set on.”

Coulson is aware of the competition that awaits him as he battles to get a place in manager Gary Mills’ team. But, having had experience of playing in League Two, he is convinced he will fit in well – and is relishing the challenge.

“At 24, I’m a good age and I have got quite a lot of experience behind me now,” he added. “I played League football before and I am desperate to get back into it with a team that play football the right way.

“I think York will suit me perfectly. Obviously, there is a lot of competition so it is down to me to show what I can do. I’m an exciting, direct player. I will be positive when I get the ball and I feel like I’ve got a good footballing brain.

“Being one of the forwards would suit me better, I would say. I know Ash (Chambers) and Blairy (Matty Blair). They are top players. It is a challenge for me to come here and we are all going to be battling with each other to get the places in the team. It will be good for York. If people are in top form, York will be going into the right direction.

“That’s what you need. You don’t want people to be comfortable, thinking they are going to play every week.”

McGill said: “Gary and I met Michael about three weeks ago and, from that meeting, it was clear that if a deal could be structured he wanted to join York City. He knew a lot about us, the planning application for the stadium, and felt this was a football club on the up.

“Michael had offers to go to a League One club and numerous League Two clubs but chose York City because he believed in what we were doing.”