YORK City's search to unearth the next Clayton Donaldson has already begun with the club signing teenage Newcastle Benfield striker Richard Brodie.

The 19-year-old forward first came to City's attentions when the Minstermen were drawn away to the Arngrove Northern League club in the fourth qualifying round of the FA Cup.

He impressed in that narrow 1-0 win for City, hitting the post and going close with two free-kicks as well as setting up an excellent chance for team-mate Mark Atkinson.

Since then, Brodie has been on trial at KitKat Crescent and played for the reserves but City bided their time to allow Benfield to benefit from his services while they were still in the FA Vase.

Benfield's interest in that competition ended on Saturday in a fourth round defeat at Truro and McEwan is now pleased to have Brodie on board.

He said: "We wanted him ages ago but they have been on a good cup run and we did not take him because we wanted to fair to Benfield. He's only 19 so he's one for the future and he's looking forward to starting work today."

Brodie joined Benfield in the summer from Northern League second division side Whickham, where he finished leading scorer last season.

City fans will be hoping he will turn out as good as Martyn Woolford who joined City in similar circumstances earlier in the season.

Woolford caught the eye playing for Frickley Athletic in a pre-season friendly against the Minstermen and has since scored five goals in 17 Conference starts.

The 2007-08 Conference season will begin on Saturday, August 11 and will end on Saturday, May 3, 2008.

The dates were decided following a meeting of the league's member clubs at Burton Albion.