UNFINISHED business has York City midfielder Christian Fox burning with desire.

Fresh from signing a one-year contract, Fox is desperate to kick-start his stuttering career after more than three years of outrageous misfortune and injury.

He admits he owes new boss Chris Brass, the club and the City faithful, debts of gratitude after being given what many believe is one last chance to prove he's no flash in the pan.

Back in 1999, Fox was earmarked as not only City's brightest talent but one of the most promising youngsters in the Football League.

However, the arrival of former boss Terry Dolan at Bootham Crescent coincided with Fox suffering a terrible run of injuries.

Almost an entire season was lost following a knee-ligament replacement operation, after which Fox struggled to recapture his best form.

He was shipped out on loan to Irish League outfit Larne but at the start of last season he suffered another knee injury that ruled him out for a number of months.

Just when the youngster was showing glimpses of his best form, Fox broke his arm in a reserve team match and was ruled out for the remainder of the campaign.

With his contract up, many felt Fox had played his last game for the Minstermen.

The 21-year-old readily conceded he would have been crestfallen had he not been offered one last chance to shine.

Fortunately for Fox, new boss Brass is keenly aware of the midfielder's talent and had no hesitation in offering him a one-year contract .

Brass described the forthcoming season for Fox as make or break, a challenge the 21-year-old is all too willing to accept.

"This is really my second chance," admitted Fox, who spurned offers of trials with other clubs to re-sign for the Minstermen.

"There were a few clubs sniffing around and the chance of a few trials but I never really wanted to go anywhere else.

"There was nothing concrete and I couldn't pass up on the opportunity of coming here again.

"I think I've still got things to prove to the gaffer, the fans and myself."

Fox, who has impressed in City's pre-season friendlies and certainly looks to be approaching top form, said that keeping injury-free topped his wish-list ahead of the new season.

"I feel good and strong and fit in myself. All I can hope for is an injury-free season," he said.

"I've had problems over the last few years with injuries.

"The only real big one was the cruciate but it is the little niggly ones that get on your nerves.

"Hopefully, come the start of the season I'll be fully fit."

With City operating with a much smaller squad this season, Fox admitted if he can avoid injury he will get his chance in the first team sooner rather than later.

"We haven't got a big squad but what we have got is quality and you would rather have quality than quantity," he reasoned.

"It's also a young squad, but we all get on and hopefully the good atmosphere will continue if we start the season well."