YORK City’s new manager Russ Wilcox has revealed he ignored advances from other clubs to take up the position at Bootham Crescent.

Wilcox, who only parted company with Scunthorpe eight days ago, is also believed to have been courted by fellow Sky Bet League Two outfits Tranmere and Hartlepool.

The 50-year-old Yorkshireman was the division’s Manager of the Year last term having guided the Iron to promotion after starting his reign with a Football League record-breaking run of 28 unbeaten matches.

But, despite the clamour for his services, Wilcox chose City and, explaining that decision, said: “You never know how long you will be out of football. I’ve had short spells before and longer ones.

“It’s just a case of finding that opportunity to get back in and I am absolutely delighted to be here at York City. It’s a fantastic club run by superb people.

“I had interest from other clubs but, as soon as York City was mentioned, this is where I wanted to come.”

Wilcox has issued a “must do better” warning to his new players, however, with the club currently lying third-bottom after last season’s play-off campaign.

“The core of the team is similar to last season, with one or two exceptions, so must do better is the message,” he reasoned.

“Every individual needs to give that little bit more so we can improve collectively.”

The ex-Burnley, Sheffield Wednesday and Bournemouth assistant manager also pointed out he would like to play attractive football but will make improving the club’s league position his chief priority, reasoning: “I like to get the ball down and pass it.

"We did that at Scunthorpe, even if some would disagree, but the bottom line is winning football matches and getting points on the board because that builds confidence.”

Wilcox confessed, meanwhile, he would settle for an undefeated sequence half as good as that he enjoyed at Glanford Park in his first managerial post.

“That run was probably once-in-a-lifetime,” he admitted. “It was amazing.

“When you step into a job, you want to hit the ground running and we certainly did that because the run wasn’t just about me – it was down to the whole group. Hopefully, we can get back on track at York now.

“I’m not sure about 28 games unbeaten though. I’d probably take half that at the moment to get the club moving forward. We want to get away from the danger zone first and you can do that quickly.

“Then, you never know what can happen, like last season. I remember watching a 2-0 defeat to Chesterfield at Bootham Crescent and thinking York are in trouble, but the next game was the win at Fleetwood and the club got into the play-offs after going 17 unbeaten.”

Wilcox is now looking forward to starting work with former Scunthorpe team-mate Steve Torpey, who will continue in his role as City’s assistant manager.

The new chief will be picking Torpey’s brains on his inherited squad and said: “I know Steve from our Scunthorpe days but I don’t know him as a coach and he doesn’t know me as a manager, so it will be good to get to know each other again to help the club to move forward.

“I have to assess the squad and I will be leaning heavily on Steve for that. It’s all guns blazing because we have got three games in eight days.

“I will be looking to see what’s needed and everybody here will be given an opportunity, first and foremost, before we look to make one or two additions if needed, with the chairman’s support.”

Wilcox went on to explain how he had also called his predecessor Worthington for an insight into the new job, adding: “I had a chat with Nigel and what we discussed will remain private, but I will be looking to maintain some of the qualities he brought to the club, whilst adding my own as well.”