NEW York City signing Mitch Ward has revealed how a chat with player-management duo Chris Brass and Lee Nogan was all that was needed to convince him to join the Bootham Crescent revolution.
Former Everton, Sheffield United and Barnsley midfielder Ward, who will complete his transfer to the Minstermen subject to passing a medical, was being chased by a number of clubs, including the Oakwell outfit.
However, with all the turmoil surrounding Barnsley - including the cancellation of fixtures, money still owed to players and the refusal of the Football League to ratify the takeover by American businessman Sean Lewis - Ward rejected his former club's overtures and is relishing the chance to lead City to glory.
And, despite interest elsewhere, it took little to convince Ward that Bootham Crescent was where his future would lie.
"I'm obviously excited," Ward exclusively told the Evening Press on his arrival at Bootham Crescent.
"I had had enough with what was going on at Barnsley and wanted to start playing.
"It was a funny sort of situation at Barnsley. I was offered terms by them, but things have changed round there with things upstairs so I have decided to get out and once I had spoken to Chris I decided I want to come here.
"There were a few clubs interested, but I have had to think about my family. I have got two children and a wife so I didn't want to be uprooting and moving to London or that, so after speaking to Chris and Lee I wanted to come to York.
"Once I'd spoken to them I was excited to come and join them.
"I've seen them both play and having chatted with them that made up my mind.
"I'm just looking forward to getting a game.
"Basically we have had no games at Barnsley as everything has been postponed and I've missed a few days training.
"So it is just a matter of getting my fitness up and sharpness back."
Despite having played in the Premiership with Everton and Sheffield United, Ward believes he will be a success in Division Three.
"I've seen it all before," added Ward, whose only Premiership goal came against Oldham Athletic for the Blades.
"I know it will be different, but I am a football person and, like Chris and Lee, I am ambitious.
"I want to get out this division, the same as them, so hopefully we can push on.
"Chris told me that they just missed out last year, so I'm sure he will have plans to bring in a few more players and we can hopefully do it."
Ward will join Liam George, Andrew Jordan, Arron Wilford and Darren Dunning in signing for the club, with the quintet of new signings unveiled at Bootham Crescent yesterday.
Updated: 10:30 Saturday, July 26, 2003
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