Midfielder Oliver Banks joins York City on trial

12:00pm Saturday 14th July 2012 in Sport

FORMER Rotherham United midfielder Oliver Banks has been handed a trial by York City manager Gary Mills.

Banks played in the second half of City’s 8-0 victory at Huntington Rovers last night having been released by the Millers at the end of last season.

The Rotherham-born, 19-year-old scored in his only appearance for his home-town club in May 2011 but was loaned to Stalybridge Celtic last season.

Mills is a former team-mate of Banks’ father Ian and, after last night’s opening pre-season friendly in which Reece Kelly (2), Paddy McLaughlin, Michael Coulson, John McReady, a Dave Hartas own goal, Jamie Reed and Liam Henderson were all on the scoresheet, the City boss said: “I know Ollie’s dad Ian from playing with him at Leicester and we’ve got him in to have a look at him.

“He’s certainly a footballer so we will see how it goes and whether it goes any further.”

Mills has also added former Southampton centre-back Richard Dryden to his backroom staff working alongside Steve Torpey with the youth team.

Along with Mills, Torpey and new first-team coach Des Lyttle, Dryden enjoyed a cameo substitute outing last night and the City chief added: “Richard is somebody I’ve known for a lot of years and somebody who I can trust and knows how I work.”

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The friendly saw York Minster Engineering League side Huntington hold City at bay for the first 20 minutes and Mills admitted the game was a worthy exercise – most importantly to raise money in memory of former Rovers goalkeeper Steve Myers, who died last year at the age of 29 from a brain tumour.

Mills said: “The first half was a good workout for us and, while the second half was a bit easier, we came here for the right reasons – to get a good turnout for a worthy cause. It also gave us the chance to get among our supporters and let them see some of our new signings.

“We are still getting our fitness and sharpness but it was nice to see two of the new lads on the scoresheet.”

A brace for second-year apprentice Kelly, who made his senior debut against Forest Green last season, also caught the eye.

Kelly was the only youth-team player involved and Mills said: “He’s a good little talent who has a good future if he continues to listen and learn.

“We are bringing him on in the right way. He had a taste with the first team in the last league game last season and it’s all about him growing up now.”

Comments(15)

ian923 says...
12:53pm Sat 14 Jul 12

Another midfielder? If Jonathan Smith is coming we surely don't need any more midfielders. Another striker would be handy though.

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A Bottom says...
1:28pm Sat 14 Jul 12

ian923 wrote:
Another midfielder? If Jonathan Smith is coming we surely don't need any more midfielders. Another striker would be handy though.
Spain have a team full of midfielders!!!!!

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redwhiteblue says...
2:04pm Sat 14 Jul 12

Not quite - they did have a goalkeeper who wasn't a midfielder!! I remember last year the number of postings saying we had too many defenders - in the end we needed them. Players always have a dip in form or get injured throughout the season therefore selection problems are eased with a good squad. Gary will get the balance right, he was spot on last year. Smith to sign once he's settled his bonus payment with Swindon

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haxbyreds says...
5:21pm Sat 14 Jul 12

If he was the very tall midfielder thought he looked a very good player

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tomwillo1 says...
9:04pm Sat 14 Jul 12

haxbyreds wrote:
If he was the very tall midfielder thought he looked a very good player
We were hardly playing a great side, i would have looked decent in that!

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duffy says...
9:57pm Sat 14 Jul 12

ian923 wrote:
Another midfielder? If Jonathan Smith is coming we surely don't need any more midfielders. Another striker would be handy though.
I would have though Smith would compleat the midfield numbers, problem last season was we had plenty of midfielders, just not enough that Mill's trusted to start a game. This season with Bullock, Kerr,Paddy,Smith all in that central area and all strong we are well covered.

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YoRkIe59 says...
2:39am Sun 15 Jul 12

maybe Mills is giving this lad a trial just in case the Smith move dosn,t come off as it certainly seems to be going on a bit.

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bartsimmo says...
1:33pm Sun 15 Jul 12

Maybe Mills just believes that his defenders are indeed defenders this season so wants plenty of other options in the midfield keeping Banjo, Parslow and whoever else fits the bill at the current time in their rightful roles challenging for places.

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billoofyork says...
3:12pm Sun 15 Jul 12

Regardless of opposition he looked good on Friday. At 19 he won't cost a lot on wages and could be one for the future

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yorkiemike says...
3:45pm Sun 15 Jul 12

Maybe he`s doing his Dad a favour and giving the lad a chance.
At 19 he could develop into something useful.We took Potts on at a similar age and have hung on to him,hoping he will come good.

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RickyC says...
4:16pm Sun 15 Jul 12

Maybe Smith isn't joining and thats why Millsy is covering all options?

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circuitous route dorset says...
6:40pm Sun 15 Jul 12

Maybe we should all wait and see!

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duffy says...
6:46pm Sun 15 Jul 12

circuitous route dorset wrote:
Maybe we should all wait and see!
It won't be a long wait.

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The Legend Of Keith says...
9:43am Mon 16 Jul 12

circuitous route dorset wrote:
Maybe we should all wait and see!
Wise words...

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johnboy2882 says...
9:41pm Mon 16 Jul 12

on a swindon forum it says there is no truth in connell going to plymouth so there is hope yet he will come here

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