YORK City midfielder Akil Wright has declared that promotion from the Vanarama National League North would mean “everything” to him.

York are one of six teams vying for promotion to the National League via the play-offs.

Should City beat Chorley tomorrow (7.45pm), then they would visit Brackley Town in the semi-finals on Saturday.

Discussing the prospect of promotion, Wright replied: “It would mean everything.”

“There’s a lot of lads here that haven’t experienced promotion, like myself.

“Some of them have been there, and want to finish their careers off with another promotion. It would mean everything.

“With starting off as we were, 15th I think we were, to now being fifth and in the play-offs, it’s huge for the club.

“It’s a massive club and I knew that when I signed here.

“The goal is promotion, so in this next week-and-a-half, hopefully we can be joining Gateshead in the National League.”

Wright joined York in September 2020 and has gone on to become an integral part of the team, both under Steve Watson and current manager John Askey.

Over the course of this season, he has featured in all but a handful of matches for City and will play his 50th match of the campaign when York take on Chorley.

“It’s been good, I feel like I’ve been fit as the games have gone on,” noted Wright.

“Mentally, I think I’m in a good place. I’ve enjoyed my time here and enjoy playing, which is the main thing.

“Since I’ve been here, I’ve played, which I’ve enjoyed. I think playing football, as long as you’re happy and enjoying yourself, is the best feeling ever.”

York will enter the match against Chorley as favourites, having secured secured home advantage via a final-day draw ay AFC Telford United.

A record crowd is expected at the LNER Community Stadium but Wright is not concerned by that potential pressure.

“I feel like, regardless of whether the game was at home or away, as players, we’re confident either way,” he said.

“I think being at home gives that edge with the fans.

“For Chorley, there are 5,000 tickets (sold) already, so I think that’ll be a big plus for us.”

“(The fans) have been behind us all season.

“Obviously, it’s a massive game, so I’m sure they’ll be making the noise.”

Wright added: “Same as usual, bring all the noise.

“When we do it on the pitch, I’m sure they will be. I’m looking forward to it.”

Askey is a manager with previous when it comes to promotion, having guided Macclesfield Town to League Two as champions of the National League in 2018.

This was done despite Macclesfield being relegation favourites and operating on one of the lowest budgets in the league.

“As players, you’ve got to have that (within) yourself, that belief,” insisted Wright.

“As time has gone on this season, we’ve all got that in us now.

“We’ve gotten to the play-offs, which shows that we’ve improved massively. Now it’s just about getting it over the line.”