NEW signings Danny Holmes, Adriano Moke, and Robbie McDaid are set to start for York City in tomorrow's National League game at Eastleigh.

Former Tranmere Rovers defender Holmes arrived at Bootham Crescent yesterday and became the fifth new player to join the club since the return of manager Gary Mills.

Winger Moke, who played previously for York four years ago, and former Leeds United striker McDaid joined the club last week.

The Minstermen travel to Eastleigh without a win in 12 games and without a win or a clean sheet away from home in 14 months.

A defeat could plunge the club into the relegation zone but Mills feels an improvement in results is just around the corner.

With both Sean Newton and Jack Higgins suspended, Holmes is a contender to start at centreback although the 27-year-old can also play fullback or defensive midfield.

"You can trust Danny as a player," said Mills. "He's a had a good career and played a lot of games and you know what you will get from him, week-in, week-out."

Holmes joined National League North leaders AFC Fylde this summer after leaving Newport County. He previously had two spells with Tranmere and also played for Southport, Welsh side The New Saints, and Fleetwood Town.

“I’ve come here to win matches and get us pushed up the league to where York City belong," said Holmes. "I think I can help the lads a lot. I’ve been there and done it and I know what it takes to compete at (Football League) that level.

“No disrespect to anyone, I want to get back there. I don’t want to be staying in the National League and, hopefully, that will be with York City.

"I’m a good talker, comfortable on the ball, and I can play in a number of positions," he added. "Hopefully, I’ll be involved in some way on Saturday and show what I’ve got.

"I only play fullback at the moment because I think people think I’m small for a centre-half! But I think my strengths lie centrally, reading the game, and playing out from the back.”

Frustrated in his efforts to sign further players this week, Mills confirmed that former Norwich City and St Johnstone winger Simon Lappin had rejected a move to Bootham Crescent after impressing on trial.

"It doesn’t look as though that one is going to happen because we couldn’t agree terms with him which I’m disappointed about,” he said. “I’m not giving up on him but, at the moment, it’s not going to come off."

Mills is still looking to strengthen his squad, however, indicating that 'two or three' new players could be on board before the Dagenham game on November 19.

Aidan Connolly's proposed return to action after a seven game absence with a hamstring injury has been postponed.

Mills, however, says the winger will return to full training on Monday.

Looking ahead to the club's forthcoming fixtures, Mills said: "We have a tough run of games coming up - Eastleigh, Dagenham, and Lincoln. Three games against teams who are up there wanting to finish in the top five and who look like they might do, at this moment in time. It will be a big test to see what we are about.

"We have improved over last few weeks - we had to - and we have still got to get a lot better, but I think we are getting there," he insisted. "There has been a change in outlook, the way we approach coming into training, and the way we train. It's been a pleasing change that has brought a smile to my face.

"I think I have put the smiles back on faces in training. There is quite a way to go before we are laughing our heads off but I am confident we will get there!"