York City boss Gary Mills ‘delighted’ as goalkeeper Michael Ingham signs new deal

11:29am Saturday 21st July 2012 in Sport Photograph of the Author By Tony Kelly, Deputy sports editor

York City goalkeeper Michael Ingham York City goalkeeper Michael Ingham

INTERNATIONAL goalkeeper Michael Ingham netted a belated birthday present when he agreed a new deal with York City.

The man, who celebrated his 32nd birthday just 12 days ago, will be at the Bootham Crescent club until end of the 2013/14 campaign after he penned a new two-year contract.

The capture of the Northern Ireland international is a major plus for the Minstermen as they bid to resume their Football League life in npower League Two in just under a month’s time.

Ingham was a pivotal figure as the last man standing for City as they completed an historic and unparalleled Wembley double in the space of eight days when they toppled Newport to win the FA Trophy at Wembley and then ousted fierce rivals Luton Town, again under the arch of the national stadium, with a 2-1 triumph that heralded their escape from the Blue Square Bet Premier.

Now the man who holds three full Northern Ireland caps and has not ruled out a return to the international arena, has committed himself to another two years with City.

The capture was hailed by City boss Gary Mills.

Said the manager: “It’s a new deal for a couple more years and I am pleased with that.

“I have seen a big improvement in him even in the time since I have come to the club. Certainly from last Christmas I believe Michael just got better and better.

“He is very important to us and I thought it was right to do it (to offer the new two-year contract). He has signed it and I am delighted.”

Ingham first played for City on loan from Sunderland in 2003 when he made 17 appearances.

Since returning to the club permanently four years ago, he has made a further 171 appearances and has established himself as one of the City faithful’s favourite players.

Ingham was likely to start today’s pre-season friendly against Oldham Athletic at Bootham Crescent (kick-off 3pm).

He has so far shared goalkeeping duties with Paul Musselwhite during the Minstermen’s three warm-up matches against Huntington Rovers , Harrogate Railway Athletic and Pickering Town .

Comments(12)

tips says...
12:10pm Sat 21 Jul 12

Top keeper !!!!

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duffy says...
12:40pm Sat 21 Jul 12

I have to say in my view Michael has made big improvements to his game. When he first joined us his kicking was frankly awful and that improved. Up until last season his other big weakness for me was coming out and commanding his area from free kicks and corners, he was often stuck on his line which could in part have been a lack of confidence in his centre halves. Huge improvement in that area last season and of course he has always been a superb shot stopper.
Very happy to see him sign the new contract

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duffy says...
1:30pm Sat 21 Jul 12

J Smith has now signed.

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tips says...
1:45pm Sat 21 Jul 12

Great news on J Smith what a talented midfield we have , plenty of competition , will star man Scott Kerr get in the team when fit?
Still feel another striker is needed if we can ship Henderson out as I don't think he really fits in to GM's plans.

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A Bottom says...
2:07pm Sat 21 Jul 12

tips wrote:
Great news on J Smith what a talented midfield we have , plenty of competition , will star man Scott Kerr get in the team when fit?
Still feel another striker is needed if we can ship Henderson out as I don't think he really fits in to GM's plans.
We don't need a striker we need goal scorers, and we've got them!!!!!

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duffy says...
2:15pm Sat 21 Jul 12

A Bottom wrote:
tips wrote:
Great news on J Smith what a talented midfield we have , plenty of competition , will star man Scott Kerr get in the team when fit?
Still feel another striker is needed if we can ship Henderson out as I don't think he really fits in to GM's plans.
We don't need a striker we need goal scorers, and we've got them!!!!!
I'm with Tips on this one, another central striker for me.

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circuitous route dorset says...
2:57pm Sat 21 Jul 12

duffy wrote:
A Bottom wrote:
tips wrote:
Great news on J Smith what a talented midfield we have , plenty of competition , will star man Scott Kerr get in the team when fit?
Still feel another striker is needed if we can ship Henderson out as I don't think he really fits in to GM's plans.
We don't need a striker we need goal scorers, and we've got them!!!!!
I'm with Tips on this one, another central striker for me.
I agree we score from all parts of the field but I would still like to see Henderson go and another "target" man as an option. Welcome back JS - another great signing. Before the detractors get going -he has matured and was a major part in Swindon getting out of this league - knows the division, knows the players. Not just a good player but his knowledge of other teams will be invaluable.C'mon City.

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duffy says...
3:25pm Sat 21 Jul 12

circuitous route dorset wrote:
duffy wrote:
A Bottom wrote:
tips wrote:
Great news on J Smith what a talented midfield we have , plenty of competition , will star man Scott Kerr get in the team when fit?
Still feel another striker is needed if we can ship Henderson out as I don't think he really fits in to GM's plans.
We don't need a striker we need goal scorers, and we've got them!!!!!
I'm with Tips on this one, another central striker for me.
I agree we score from all parts of the field but I would still like to see Henderson go and another "target" man as an option. Welcome back JS - another great signing. Before the detractors get going -he has matured and was a major part in Swindon getting out of this league - knows the division, knows the players. Not just a good player but his knowledge of other teams will be invaluable.C'mon City.
Delighted with the Smith signing. Yes was awfull for us in the beginning but got better and better and last season will have done him the world of good.

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YoRkIe59 says...
3:37pm Sat 21 Jul 12

its unfortunate that connell has gone to one of our local rivals,they seem to on the face of things at least to be putting a decent squad together this time.Ive not given up on Mills finding us a suitable alternative at some point tho,nothing to panic about seeing how we get on with what weve got for now

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duffy says...
3:58pm Sat 21 Jul 12

YoRkIe59 wrote:
its unfortunate that connell has gone to one of our local rivals,they seem to on the face of things at least to be putting a decent squad together this time.Ive not given up on Mills finding us a suitable alternative at some point tho,nothing to panic about seeing how we get on with what weve got for now
We will score goals regardless, it's the defence that will make or break the season. Mills is happy to stick with what we have, I'm not convinced.

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1968expat says...
7:03pm Sat 21 Jul 12

duffy wrote:
YoRkIe59 wrote: its unfortunate that connell has gone to one of our local rivals,they seem to on the face of things at least to be putting a decent squad together this time.Ive not given up on Mills finding us a suitable alternative at some point tho,nothing to panic about seeing how we get on with what weve got for now
We will score goals regardless, it's the defence that will make or break the season. Mills is happy to stick with what we have, I'm not convinced.
Have to go with duffy on this on ,only time will tll.

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YcfcKeepingTheFaith says...
6:15pm Mon 23 Jul 12

So pleased about Ingham, a real credit to the team, on and off the pitch. Also excited to get J.Smith back.
I believe Saturday's defeat will only make us stronger. Bring on L2!!!

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