DAN Parslow insists York City are eyeing an immediate return to the National League this season – but are under no illusions about how tough that will be.

The Minstermen welcome AFC Telford United on Saturday for their National League North opener, and utility man Parslow believes the fixture will be a sign of what is to come in a difficult division.

"Telford will be a tough test," he said. "They've had some investment in the summer, they've been taken over by some wealthy businessmen and they'll be competitive.

"There's teams in this division who have been in the National League before, and there's teams that have been in the Football League before. We know that they will be a tough challenge.

"Then you've got the likes of Darlington and Salford. We're under no illusions, there are some strong, strong teams.

"But as long as we do our jobs and we're prepared, then there's no reason why we can't be right up there."

Despite relegation last season, manager Gary Mills has managed to keep the majority of his squad together ahead of the new campaign.

And with a sprinkling of summer additions, hopes are high that City can return to the fifth tier at the first time of asking.

"It's exciting times for the football club," said Parslow, who made last season's loan deal at Bootham Crescent into a permanent switch this summer.

"Hopefully we can start to go on the upward spiral rather than the downward spiral of the last couple of years.

"It's been a tough couple of seasons for the supporters, and for the city as a whole.

"But we've had good news with the stadium going ahead and the season ticket sales have been fantastic.

"If we can continue to get more fans through the door, hopefully we can be positive and turn the feel-good factor into promotion.

"That's what the aim of the game is really."

The fans' favourite continued: "I think if you start worrying about everyone else, it can creep into your game.

"It's important to look after ourselves and do what we're good at, and then confidence will be high and we'll win football matches.

"The gaffer has instilled belief in this group. He tells us how important it is to go out there and do your jobs, and the rest will take care of itself. It's all about making sure we're ready to go."