York City captain Peter Swan has been there and done that in the footballing arena.

But despite 16 seasons, around 400 League games, Wembley joy and Wembley heartache, the seasoned sentinel reckons the best could be still to come.

Swan, who turns 34 next month, was handed a one year's contract at the end of last season by City boss Terry Dolan.

But so convinced is Swan that the Minstermen are on the rise the mean and hungry defensive linchpin wants more, much more.

"I am looking for another two or three years in the game and especially if I could stay here, that would be fantastic," Swan told the Evening Press.

"With the youth players they have got coming through here, together with the experience at the club, there is something to really look forward too."

Swan was greeted on his summer comeback with the captaincy and together with the club's other experienced pros, including Steve Agnew, Alan Fettis, Kevin Hulme, Mark Sertori and Peter Duffield, is relishing guiding City's young guns through the maelstrom of Division Three.

"They have always had a great youth policy at this club and that is all credit to the backroom staff who help bring the lads through. Clubs like this would not exist otherwise," said Swan.

He added: "The youth lads coming through are great and there is a responsibility on us as players, not just on the management, to handle them right. If we do that it will not only see things coming right for them but it will benefit us too."

Swan, who started his career with Leeds United before transferring to Hull City - then bossed by Dolan - Port Vale, Plymouth, Burnley and Bury in moves totalling around £1million - is confident City are set for their best season in years.

Swan, who tasted Autoglass Trophy joy and play-off final woe in 1993 with Port Vale, said: "Every club that comes back after the summer says the same, 'we will be pushing for this or that', but nobody knows until you start and get on to the field.

"Last year was disappointing for York but I think it finished on a high and it means the fans and the players are looking forward to this season.

"If we can get off to a start like we finished it will be great, we should be up there all the way looking for promotion whether it is in the play-offs or automatic."

But to simply be starting a season free of injury worry was a boon, admitted Swan, who hooked up at Bootham Crescent after being released by a First Division bound Burnley following two years of injury heartache.

There were few signs of the knee trouble that had dogged him in his nine games for City last year when a Swan-marshalled rearguard conceded just three goals.

"I have been out for a couple of years injured so I feel I have got to prove myself," explained Swan.

"I came in at the end of last season and felt I did okay but I was looking forward to the break, that has gone now and I have come back firing.

"The gaffer has assembled a strong-looking squad. I think when he first came to the club he had to work quickly to get things sorted out straight away.

"He has had to bring players in he knows and who he can trust. If you don't do that as a manager you could be in trouble before you know it.

"He has done that right, he has got the blend of youth and experience and we have got a big squad so we are all going to be fighting for places.

"That can only be a good thing, especially in this league when you need a strong squad to create competition and for the amount of games we have to play as well."

PICTURE: NATURAL BORN LEADER: York City's new skipper for 2000-01, Peter Swan