SEAN Newton has praised his York City team-mates for “sticking to their word” and remaining with the club ahead of Saturday’s big kick-off.

Speaking ahead of the National League North curtain-raiser against AFC Telford United, the Minstermen skipper believes his side have a great chance of promotion thanks to the loyalty of many of last season's squad.

He said: “At a lot of clubs people say they want to stay and then move on, but here a lot of the lads have stuck to their word.

"That’s a big reason why a lot of the team have stayed – because they’ve known in the back of their mind that, with this squad, we’ve got a real chance of promotion.

“Luckily for me and the other lads who were contracted here, the other players have remained. Now I’m just looking forward to the season starting.

“I think there were a few enquiries for me but the club said they were happy for me to stay and wanted to keep me here. I wasn’t wanting to force a move, and have a lot of respect for the gaffer and the chairman. I’m more than happy to stay and fight for this club."

On the Bucks' visit to Bootham Crescent on Saturday, the versatile 28-year-old added: “The first game in any league is always the hardest because both teams are nervous and don’t want to lose that opener.

"We obviously want to win, we’re at home and we need to make our place a fortress this year – we want to win every home game.

“Telford at home is no different. We have to set our stall out right, play the way we want to play, dictate things and win the game. Three points would be massive for us."