NEW signing Josh Robinson believes his move to York City will be a stepping stone into the Football League.

The young defender quit Northern Irish part-timers Crusaders this week to sign a two-year deal at Bootham Crescent.

Braintree Town defender Matt Fry also put pen-to-paper with the Minstermen, who are busy preparing for life in the National League.

Robinson, 22, says the opportunity to become a full-time professional was too good to turn down – but the former Rangers player also wants to climb

the ladder of success.

"I'm glad to take this opportunity and, hopefully, I can push on and see what happens," he said.

"It's a good stepping stone for me and I hope to jump up the leagues. It'll be a good couple of years for me."

Robinson, who spent a short period training at Fleetwood Town last season, believes York will be pushing for promotion under Jackie McNamara.

The former Dundee United manager has already signed 10 new players as part of a major overhaul of the club's squad this summer and has the full support of chairman Jason McGill.

"I can see, having spoken to Jackie and Jason, that this is going to be a great club for me and it's a good decision," said Robinson.

"He's a man of few words, Jackie. He spoke about where he wanted to take the club with a young side.

"He wants to drive his team to achieve something and he is eager to get back into League Two. There's nothing he wants more than to win promotion."

During his four years at Crusaders, Robinson made 124 appearances and played European football for the back-to-back Irish champions.

He said: "I'm not used to losing – so, if I lose, I'll be very disappointed. I'm here to win and so too is Jackie. I want to win plenty of games, which is what I'm born to do.

"I had a great time at Crusaders and learnt a lot. I played in the Champions League and Europa League and thoroughly enjoyed it – but it was time for me to move on; to achieve and experience different things.

"I've played first-team football week in, week out which, as a young player, you want to do. You don't want to be playing reserve football. It's been great for me and I'll apply that to the National League next season.

"I'll be confident and determined to do well and show Jackie what I can do. I've always looked to experience new challenges in life and I'm glad to do it here."

Describing what he will bring to McNamara's side next season, Robinson said: "I'm a demanding and vocal centre half who loves to get on the ball – but I also enjoy defending and putting my body on the line.

"I'm here to defend and keep clean sheets, helping us to record points and move up the league."

Asked if it had been an easy decision to join the Minstermen, Robinson added: "In the end, yes, because I was part-time at Crusaders and to make the move into full-time football is something I've always wanted."