NEW signing Josh Law insists that his move to York City does not feel like a step out of the Football League.

The former Oldham Athletic and Motherwell defender admits that some people may be 'surprised' by his decision to quit League One to play in National League North next season.

But Law, 27, says the running of the club, the facilities at Bootham Crescent and Wigginton Road, and the playing squad currently being assembled by manager Gary Mills all belong at a higher level.

"When it first came to me - 'National League North' - you think twice about it," Law said. "But I have played in it before when I was younger.

"In all honesty, it is a club a lot bigger than that. It's better ran than a League club that I have been at! It's all there to go again."

Law, a rightback who has also played in midfield, started his career at Chesterfield before spending nearly seven years working under his father Nicky at Alfreton Town.

He spent four of those seven seasons in National League North before leaving the Derbyshire club to join Scottish Premiership side Motherwell in May 2014.

After two seasons at Fir Park, Law returned to English football with Oldham last summer. He made 22 appearances for the Latics but fell out of favour following the January sacking of manager Stephen Robinson and the return of John Sheridan.

"I enjoyed it in Scotland but my wife got a little bit homesick which was hard for her so we ended up coming back - to Oldham," he reflected. "They had a change of manager last year - which didn't quite fall my way, which happens.

"I had a couple of offers over the summer - from the Conference and even League Two - but not, maybe, in the right locations. I have got a young family and they didn't quite feel right.

"Some people might be surprised," he admitted. "But looking at the facilities you would think it’s a League club and I’m really looking forward to getting going.

"The moment I spoke to the manager, I really fancied it," he added. "He said we will get a team together and try and bounce back. Everything was positive.

"In all honesty, it’s a squad that probably belongs at a higher level than this league - but we’ve got to prove that on the pitch."

Asked about the possibility of promotion, Law - who has penned a one year deal - said: "I wouldn't be here for any other reason. We have got to go and get that promotion. I am confident we can and I think everyone at the club is confident we can."

The Minstermen, meanwhile, have confirmed that they will now play two friendlies this month to tie in with a pre-season training camp in Leicestershire.

The first will be at Grantham Town on Saturday July 22 (3pm) and the second against Oakham United on Tuesday July 25 (7pm).