York City's rookie goalkeeper Russ Howarth is looking for some world class pedigree to rub his way.

WORK-OUT: City goalkeeper Russell Howarth is put through his paces by legend turned coach Neville Southall

City's highly rated young 'keeper, together with number one Alan Fettis and youth team netminder John Collinson, is now being put through his paces by the great Neville Southall.

As revealed first on the Evening Press website last Sunday, York manger Terry Dolan has secured former Wales and Everton star Southall to work as the Minstermen's goalkeeping coach on a part-time consultancy basis.

Southall's appointment follows fellow veteran Bobby Mimms departure from Bootham Crescent

For teenager Howarth it is a dream come true. Despite not even being born when Southall made his Football League baptism, it was Southall's heroics at Everton that inspired him to don the gloves.

"I have been an Everton fan for nine years and when he was playing at that time he was world class," said Howarth.

"He is a really top bloke and his sessions were really good.

"It is always good to get a different perspective - a different person will always see something different that can be worked on."

Howarth, who came face to face with Southall earlier in the season when both kept clean sheets in City's scoreless draw at Torquay, admitted he was learning all the time at Bootham Crescent.

After drawing on Mimms' vast experience and then training alongside Northern Ireland international Fettis, Howarth admitted Southall's arrival meant his grounding was second to none.

"I am only 17 and I have got time on my side but I can only get better working with someone like Neville Southall.

"He has already picked on some points that need improvement and the gaffer also had a word with him on what needs sorting out in my game."

Southall is currently on non-contract terms with Bradford City and also works as a goalkeeping coach with Dolan's previous club, Huddersfield.

He made his 978th senior appearance when he played for the Bantams in their recent 2-1 defeat at the hands of Leeds United.

York City's youth team left the foot of the Youth Alliance League premier division North yesterday with a 3-2 victory at fellow strugglers Port Vale.

Richard Whitfield notched a brace and Mark Salvati one to give them their first win of the season.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.