Lee Bullock returns to York City to Mills’ delight

12:00pm Friday 8th June 2012 in News Photograph of the Author By Dave Flett, Sports reporter

Lee Bullock is back to shine at the Crescent Lee Bullock is back to shine at the Crescent

LEE Bullock’s love for first club York City will ensure he is a success in his second spell at Bootham Crescent, according to manager Gary Mills.

The 31-year-old midfielder has become Mills’ first summer signing, having agreed a one-year contract after being released by next season’s League Two rivals Bradford City.

Having made his professional debut at the age of 17, Bullock made 189 appearances and scored 27 goals between 1998 and 2004 for the Minstermen before earning a move to the Championship with Cardiff City.

He left for Wales two months before his old club were relegated from the Football League, where he has since plied his trade for Hartlepool, Mansfield, Bury and Bradford, spending the last four-and-a-half years at Valley Parade.

But, while many in football adhere to the old cliché you should never go back, Mills points to double-winning skipper Chris Smith — part of the same 2003/4 City squad as Bullock that dropped out of the League – as an example of how former players can come back to a club stronger.

Mills said: “That affinity Lee has with the club is very important. When I spoke to him, it was clear what coming back to York means to him and he’s delighted to be here.

“To get somebody back here like him is massive for me. He will give us total commitment, as Chris Smith has done since he came back.

“Most of our fans will know how good he is from his time here before. I think he will be a pivotal player for us and he is coming back to familiar surroundings so it’s not like he’ll take a few months to settle in.

“He’s returning with more experience and he’s a good first signing. He knows the League and has done well at that level over the seasons.”

With Scott Kerr out for the start of the new season with knee ligament damage, Bullock is likely to be a contender for the midfield anchorman role although Mills also admires his potential as a utility man, adding: “First and foremost, he’s a good player, a good pro and a player I respect.

“He plays in a position I have been looking to strengthen for next season and he’s versatile as well. He will fit into the way I like my teams to play and can play in other positions.

“He played at centre-half for Bradford a bit last season and I know he played up front when he was here in the past. He still lives fairly locally and plays the game for the right reasons with the right attitude.”

Mills continues to speak to other transfer targets and is still waiting to hear whether James Meredith, Daniel Parslow, Ashley Chambers and Adriano Moké will sign the new deals they have been offered.

Out-of-contract players Jon Challinor, Chris Doig, Jamal Fyfield, Danny Pilkington, Eugen Bopp, Scott Brown and Matthew Blinkhorn, however, have been told they might need to be patient before discovering whether they are part of Mills’ plans for next season.

The City boss said: “I’m waiting for the players that I have offered contracts to come back to me and I won’t release any of the others, if I decide I am going to do, until the time is right.

“If I am pushed into a corner and people are pressing me for an answer then I will perhaps give them one but I have to be comfortable with everything before I make decisions.

“I understand the players will want their futures sorting out as soon as possible but I hope they can appreciate that I am manager of this football club and I have to do what I feel is right.”

Comments(41)

IntelXXX says...
12:17pm Fri 8 Jun 12

Nice to see Lee back at York but only see this as cover for SKerr who I don't think will be fit for the start of the season. Lee will have been brought in for his experience at this level and his ability to sit in front of the back four and pass the ball about.

On another note Fleetwood must be paying some wages as they have persuaded 33 year old Damien Johnson who has just helped Huddersfield into the Championship and was offered a new deal by the Terriers to sign for them. Good business and money does talk at this level.

New sponsor to be announced in 2-3 weeks and this includes a new Home/Away kit.

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OB-1 says...
12:24pm Fri 8 Jun 12

Good luck Bully, great addition to the squad. Keen bit of business from Millsy.

On another positive note good to see Matty Blair on facebook shooting down the "Burnley transfer rumours".

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IntelXXX says...
12:25pm Fri 8 Jun 12

It actually confirms in the article that Kerr won't be fit so Lee has been brought in to play in that role. Back in similiar surroundings for the lad in a young exciting Mills team that likes to play Football the right way. Just hope we can keep hold of the better players who are out of contract.

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eborexile says...
12:57pm Fri 8 Jun 12

Potentially a very astute bit of business.
He never relied on pace but even in his youth, one of the best passers of the ball with the added bonus of being good in the air and able to ghost into scoring positions. Could be seen as a Boucaud with a goal threat or a Danny Parslow with attacking flair (although I also hope Danny re-signs with Mezza and Ash even higher priorities)
I'm happy to see Lee back especially as it looks as though he's within the budget structure. It's easy to see how he fits nicely into the squad. A plus on many levels.

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PhilTopping says...
2:01pm Fri 8 Jun 12

Bullock is a pedestrian, very steady but diligent defensive midfielder who will just about be able to operate in the Kerr position but won't bring an awful lot to the table. A stop gap. Bullock himself in an interview earlier this year expected to have to drop to BSP or BSN status and possibly part time, so I suspect even he knows his playing days are dwindling. He does have a encyclopaedic knowledge of League Two football, which will help Mills a lot, plus he's a good steadying influence behind the scenes as an "elder statesman".

But those that think this adds any fresh dynamic or extra impetus next season, has obviously not seen Bullock play for some time.

A 6/10 signing.

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redwhiteblue says...
2:49pm Fri 8 Jun 12

Good signing - knows the Club should settle in easily - hopefully he's up to Gary's style of play. We got to accept some player will go and some will need a push to resign, I'm sure Gary has it all in hand. Understand Moses, Pilkington, Tonne have already gone - not sure about Bopp, he was only on lone. We have to assume that all those Gary wants to resign have been told - would be sorry to see Challinor or Mez go. no seen anything about Fyfield - worth a punt in the league

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redwhiteblue says...
2:49pm Fri 8 Jun 12

Good signing - knows the Club should settle in easily - hopefully he's up to Gary's style of play. We got to accept some player will go and some will need a push to resign, I'm sure Gary has it all in hand. Understand Moses, Pilkington, Tonne have already gone - not sure about Bopp, he was only on lone. We have to assume that all those Gary wants to resign have been told - would be sorry to see Challinor or Mez go. no seen anything about Fyfield - worth a punt in the league

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bartsimmo says...
2:55pm Fri 8 Jun 12

out of the players not yet offered new contracts I would be keen to see Bopp and Doig kept on and maybe Challinor as a squad player for his midfield and defensive possibilities.
Pilkington, Brown and Blinkhorn failed to make an impact in the conference therefore should be told they can go.

Luke Foster out of contract at Oxford would be a useful addition if Doig is not kept on.

Coulson and Shaw could be useful but may unsteady the ship!

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joejamestom says...
2:59pm Fri 8 Jun 12

I trust GM to sign good players sure some of the post January may not have worked out but generally the between season signings were good. He will make the odd error here & there but who doesn't. The players he signs from the Conference will be the most telling, the lure of a good club, league football & his vision, should get ambitious players anxious to step up. contacting him. Any chance of taling a look at Lee Baker Gary? was very decent at Kiddy.

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Tug job says...
3:35pm Fri 8 Jun 12

bartsimmo wrote:
out of the players not yet offered new contracts I would be keen to see Bopp and Doig kept on and maybe Challinor as a squad player for his midfield and defensive possibilities. Pilkington, Brown and Blinkhorn failed to make an impact in the conference therefore should be told they can go. Luke Foster out of contract at Oxford would be a useful addition if Doig is not kept on. Coulson and Shaw could be useful but may unsteady the ship!
Luke Foster? No better than what we already have, imho. No need to rush, folks, plenty of time.

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NottsExile says...
4:12pm Fri 8 Jun 12

We are on the BBC Football website in League 2! What a sweet sight and now it is time to prepare for the visits to some proper league grounds. Many of my colleagues and friends have said that City are a well-respected club that always presents itself as honourable and moral. I like to think that we will also show a steely side to our attractive passing game that will help us gain even more admirers.

Come on the League " City!!!

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ycfc says...
6:34pm Fri 8 Jun 12

Ben purkisss has signed for city tonight anoither signing that will get people rushing to buy there season tickets!!

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Helliwell's Not a Donkey says...
6:46pm Fri 8 Jun 12

ycfc wrote:
Ben purkisss has signed for city tonight anoither signing that will get people rushing to buy there season tickets!!
Is this true. Why is this ex player want to join us again when he jumped ship when we failed last time. Also if this is true no contract for Jon Challinor, which is a shame I was always impressed when i saw him play.

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Fergie says...
7:25pm Fri 8 Jun 12

Turncoat Ben Purkiss signing for York? You have to be kidding right. Never rated him first time at City terrible signing if this is true !

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YorkCityLuke says...
7:32pm Fri 8 Jun 12

ycfc wrote:
Ben purkisss has signed for city tonight anoither signing that will get people rushing to buy there season tickets!!
Wouldn't be the worst signing ever to be fair, Purkiss was a good RB. Was a bit galling that he jumped ship when we lost to Oxford, but you can't blame the guy for wanting to play league football.

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Killieboy says...
7:38pm Fri 8 Jun 12

He says on twitter that he'd like to rejoin city but it's not going to happen. If the choice was him or challinor I'd keep Jon. Only played 15 games last year in a side that was relegated. Not sure he's the inspiring signing I'm looking for but mr mills knows what he's doing.

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YO1 says...
8:29pm Fri 8 Jun 12

Interesting how many ex city players want to come back. Says a lot of good about the McGills tenure.

I heard from a reliable source at the club that Alex Lawless would jump at the chance to come back.

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duffy says...
8:33pm Fri 8 Jun 12

ycfc wrote:
Ben purkisss has signed for city tonight anoither signing that will get people rushing to buy there season tickets!!
Dont see it with Oyebanjo signed up and Challinor as back up.

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YO1 says...
8:39pm Fri 8 Jun 12

ycfc wrote:
Ben purkisss has signed for city tonight anoither signing that will get people rushing to buy there season tickets!!
I doubt this is the case. Purkiss has been available on a number of occasions in the past couple of seasons at times when we were struggling at right back with Courtney and Parslow but GM never took him on.

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OLD - HEAD says...
8:43pm Fri 8 Jun 12

I certainly would not want to see Ben Purkiss return to York City. There are only two players on the "undecided list" that I think we should think hard before discarding - Chris Doig and Jamal Fyefield. If Doig can stay fit, then he is a good experienced defender. And if Fyfield can cut out his errors, this young left-sided player would be a useful squad member. All the other players should be thanked for their contributions, and then be allowed to find other clubs.

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tomwillo1 says...
9:50pm Fri 8 Jun 12

Ben Purkiss and Alex Lawless arent coming back, both left because they thought they'd get back in the league quicker with other clubs! Bet they both wished they'd sticked with us now, need to get chal, mez and fyfield signed up as well! Plus wouldnt mind signing Jon Shaw!

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harry dowker says...
1:23am Sat 9 Jun 12

How has Mills not got Challinor and Doig sorted with new contracts already. Challinor has been great at RB since arriving and besides Smith, Doig was the stand out player for York towards the end of the season, hardly ever made a mistake. Considering how defensively strong we were towards the end of the season surely he would want to keep it the same by signing up half of the defensive 4 that played so well.

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duffy says...
7:49am Sat 9 Jun 12

harry dowker wrote:
How has Mills not got Challinor and Doig sorted with new contracts already. Challinor has been great at RB since arriving and besides Smith, Doig was the stand out player for York towards the end of the season, hardly ever made a mistake. Considering how defensively strong we were towards the end of the season surely he would want to keep it the same by signing up half of the defensive 4 that played so well.
I wonder if Mills is worried about Doig's injury problems over the last couple of years. It looks as though he is definatly looking to bring in another centre half given he has not offered contracts to Doug or Fyfield. I would certainly offer Challinor a new contract.

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Fergie says...
8:36am Sat 9 Jun 12

Challinor was one of our most consistent players last season and the fact he can play in midfield aswell as being a very right back is reason enough to offer him another year. Doig did well too very solid reads the game well, both should be offered terms for a year. Maybe Mills has someone else lined up as he must have a pretty decent budget this year after two wembley trips and promotion. Please no more talk of ex players joining up unless it's Donaldson. We should be looking forwards not back.

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YoRkIe59 says...
1:46pm Sat 9 Jun 12

Any talk of purkiss coming back has to be a wind up surely, how can you even consider a player who had a move to our play off final opponents lined up before we even played em,then naturally would have stayed had we won he for reasons that escape me always thought he was somehow better than york city till he tried paying in league 2 and realised he wasnt good enough for that league

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arsene.about.york says...
3:54pm Sat 9 Jun 12

Fergie wrote:
Challinor was one of our most consistent players last season and the fact he can play in midfield aswell as being a very right back is reason enough to offer him another year. Doig did well too very solid reads the game well, both should be offered terms for a year. Maybe Mills has someone else lined up as he must have a pretty decent budget this year after two wembley trips and promotion. Please no more talk of ex players joining up unless it's Donaldson. We should be looking forwards not back.
WHY on earth would you want Donaldson back ? A player who snuck off behind every ones back and signed for another club thereby cheating City out of any fee. Then couldn't be bothered for the rest of the season. If that is the type of characters you want at CITY thank heavens you are not the manager.

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OB-1 says...
7:01pm Sat 9 Jun 12

I'd have Donaldson back too, alas I think our style of play has moved on considerably since he was at the club ................ Suprised no one has mentioned, cant even type it without laughing, but what about ........ Brodie HA HA HA HA HA HA HA

I'm more than certain Millsy has some exciting targets up his sleeve

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duffy says...
7:31pm Sat 9 Jun 12

I can see some good signings in the next couple of weeks given what Mills has said today. The more I think about it the more I think this is a decent signing. He has the experience at league level which should help the younger players and is reported to be a positive influence in the dressing room. Ok he is perhaps not one of those exciting signings but he is a solid start.

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ycfc says...
9:09pm Sat 9 Jun 12

Can't believe we are in talks with Ben wilkinson, expected better to be honest!

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duffy says...
10:03pm Sat 9 Jun 12

ycfc wrote:
Can't believe we are in talks with Ben wilkinson, expected better to be honest!
You seriously need to stop acting like a Pratt now, it's getting very boring.

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Punk_Ian says...
10:04pm Sat 9 Jun 12

ycfc wrote:
Can't believe we are in talks with Ben wilkinson, expected better to be honest!
absolute rubbish

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ycfc says...
10:24pm Sat 9 Jun 12

duffy wrote:
ycfc wrote:
Can't believe we are in talks with Ben wilkinson, expected better to be honest!
You seriously need to stop acting like a Pratt now, it's getting very boring.
Oh for god sake chill out its only a bit of a laugh, trying to get people talking and maybe posting a bit of banter!! Taking things way to serious Duffy!!

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ycfc says...
10:26pm Sat 9 Jun 12

And punk_ian........ Yeah duh!

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duffy says...
10:47pm Sat 9 Jun 12

ycfc wrote:
duffy wrote:
ycfc wrote:
Can't believe we are in talks with Ben wilkinson, expected better to be honest!
You seriously need to stop acting like a Pratt now, it's getting very boring.
Oh for god sake chill out its only a bit of a laugh, trying to get people talking and maybe posting a bit of banter!! Taking things way to serious Duffy!!
I wonder if the club and Mills think it's a bit if a laugh you stating we are in talks with one player after another.

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ycfc says...
10:57pm Sat 9 Jun 12

duffy wrote:
ycfc wrote:
duffy wrote:
ycfc wrote:
Can't believe we are in talks with Ben wilkinson, expected better to be honest!
You seriously need to stop acting like a Pratt now, it's getting very boring.
Oh for god sake chill out its only a bit of a laugh, trying to get people talking and maybe posting a bit of banter!! Taking things way to serious Duffy!!
I wonder if the club and Mills think it's a bit if a laugh you stating we are in talks with one player after another.
Your not being serious? Please tell me your not being serious? You sad sad person!!

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duffy says...
11:19pm Sat 9 Jun 12

ycfc wrote:
duffy wrote:
ycfc wrote:
duffy wrote:
ycfc wrote:
Can't believe we are in talks with Ben wilkinson, expected better to be honest!
You seriously need to stop acting like a Pratt now, it's getting very boring.
Oh for god sake chill out its only a bit of a laugh, trying to get people talking and maybe posting a bit of banter!! Taking things way to serious Duffy!!
I wonder if the club and Mills think it's a bit if a laugh you stating we are in talks with one player after another.
Your not being serious? Please tell me your not being serious? You sad sad person!!
Very very serious. You are posting as fact that both players have signed for us and are in talks with us. Engage brain before typing in future.

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ycfc says...
7:35am Sun 10 Jun 12

duffy wrote:
ycfc wrote:
duffy wrote:
ycfc wrote:
duffy wrote:
ycfc wrote:
Can't believe we are in talks with Ben wilkinson, expected better to be honest!
You seriously need to stop acting like a Pratt now, it's getting very boring.
Oh for god sake chill out its only a bit of a laugh, trying to get people talking and maybe posting a bit of banter!! Taking things way to serious Duffy!!
I wonder if the club and Mills think it's a bit if a laugh you stating we are in talks with one player after another.
Your not being serious? Please tell me your not being serious? You sad sad person!!
Very very serious. You are posting as fact that both players have signed for us and are in talks with us. Engage brain before typing in future.
And? I can post what I want.do you honestly think anyone in the world is going to be bothered about what I say, apart from you of course, there are hundreds of transfer rumour websites on the net some rumours turn out to be true and some like my last are posted in jest, get a grip believe it or not we are not important when it comes to signing players at the club that is GM and Jason mcgills job and no matter what is posted on here they will attract the best players they can, you weren't taking the wilkinson post seriously where you??

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OB-1 says...
8:15pm Sun 10 Jun 12

Disappointed ........ does this mean we aren't in for Wilkinson ?? LMAO :-(

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ycfc says...
8:38pm Sun 10 Jun 12

OB-1 wrote:
Disappointed ........ does this mean we aren't in for Wilkinson ?? LMAO :-(
No but I've heard Stephen Hogg is available, don't tell Duffy though! :-)

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Yorkie41 says...
9:51pm Sun 10 Jun 12

I understand Watford and Burnley are fighting for James Meredeth, as his contract runs out in the summer, so he would be able to leave City on a free transfer.

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KAI 1981 says...
1:40pm Mon 11 Jun 12

Yorkie41 wrote:
I understand Watford and Burnley are fighting for James Meredeth, as his contract runs out in the summer, so he would be able to leave City on a free transfer.
Really, i dont think anyone knew this, groundbreaking news brought to you 1st by Yorkie41 lol

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