FORMER York City striker Adam Boyes has revealed that he never wanted to leave Bootham Crescent.

Boyes, who was sold to Scunthorpe United for a 'six-figure' sum eight years ago, signed for National League North rivals Bradford Park Avenue last week after quitting Guiseley.

Speaking to the Press, Boyes also revealed that he rejected a move to Harrogate Town before opting to sign for Avenue.

City manager Gary Mills has yet to make a summer signing amid uncertainty surrounding a host of players.

Striker Vadaine Oliver is keen to play at a higher level and striker Amari Morgan-Smith, who finished the season on loan from Cheltenham, has yet to commit his future to the club.

Boyes, now 26, burst onto the scene as a teenager at York and spent two weeks on trial at Manchester United.

Although a permanent move to Old Trafford failed to materialise, he was subsequently snapped up by Championship club Scunthorpe.

His career stagnated in Lincolnshire, however, and after a brief return to York on loan, Boyes has drifted around the lower leagues with clubs including Boston United, Barrow and Gateshead.

"I never really wanted to leave York because I was enjoying my football there," he recalled.

"But I felt it might have been my only opportunity to play Championship football, so I had to take a chance.

"Last year, I was in and out of the team at Guiseley and didn't play as much football as I need to be playing at my age.

"Come the end of the season I spoke to Guiseley and they did offer me something but I wanted to leave.

"I spoke to Harrogate Town but I did not want to go full-time. At the moment, I want to stay part-time and I am looking to get into coaching."

Boyes admitted: "I still have a lot of friends at York and follow their results closely. I came through the youth set-up and will always have a lot to thank them for. Without York City, I would not have progressed in the game.

"I am surprised that they are down in National League North as I thought they would be up near the top last season.

"But I think York will be the team to beat this season. They have players such as Jon Parkin and Sean Newton, who are probably too good for this league.

"It's going to be a strong league and clubs like York and Salford have got a lot of money compared to other teams.

"But Mark Bower, who took me to Guiseley, is now in charge at Bradford Park Avenue and a lot of the team who went up with Guiseley are now there too. He is ambitious and he wants to take the club forward this season."

Reflecting on his own situation, Boyes said: "I am still enjoying my football and I have met some good people. I initially went to Manchester United for a week but I did OK and got invited back for another week.

"It was great to meet Alex Ferguson and train with young lads such as Tom Cleverley, Josh King and Chris Eagles, who have gone on to big things."