“IT is coming home for me.”

So said York City summer signing Michael Woods on joining his hometown club.

Born in York, Woods’ youth career took him from Elland Road to Stamford Bridge before joining Harrogate Town from Doncaster Rovers in 2013.

He had two spells with Town, either side of a 144-appearance stint at Hartlepool United, and came to the Minstermen from Dover Athletic for this season.

Woods made the perfect start to term, smashing in an 84th-minute goal at the Shipton Road end in the season-opening 3-1 win over Chorley at Bootham Crescent.

Manager Steve Watson was a draw, says the 30-year-old - and the opportunity to play on a ground he frequented as a youngster adds to the special feeling.

“It was a big part of me wanting to come, the gaffer and the style he wants to play. It’s the way I believe football should be played and how most people want to see it played.

“I’ve stood in that end for years as a kid,” he added, nodding towards the David Longhurst Stand. “It’s coming home for me. It makes it a little bit sweeter.”

On his goal he said: “I saw the shout from Ducks (Michael Duckworth).

“It was a great touch and I saw the keeper go down early. It was a nice feeling seeing it hit the back of the net and it gave us a cushion.

“The gaffer’s said he said he wants a few more goals from midfield if possible - not ‘if possible’, he’s demanded more goals, I’ll be honest,” he laughed.

“I’ve got licence to get forward. It’s a shape he’s recruited for specifically.

“I think we’re still learning. It’s a group that’s only just been put together. There’s 14, 15 new players but that second-half performance certainly gives us something to build on, I think.”