JOHN ASKEY believes there is a “real feel-good factor” around York City after the club surpassed last term’s season ticket sales in less than a week.

York have sold over 1,500 season tickets for their first season back in the Vanarama National League, exceeding the previous standing at around 1,400.

City saw record crowds turn out at the LNER Community Stadium for the successful play-off campaign from the National League North, with 7,448 in attendance for the promotion-winning 2-0 victory over Boston United last month.

“There’s a real feel-good factor around the club,” enthused manager Askey, “and hopefully we’ll get more people buying season tickets, because it helps the club massively.

“I know it’s difficult because of how things are financially for a lot of people, but it’s very much appreciated.

“We look forward to seeing everybody again and hopefully we can capture people’s imagination.”

At 3,448, York boasted the division's largest average home attendance last term, over 1,300 more than next-best Kidderminster Harriers. Only six clubs in the National League managed higher average crowds.

When asked if the size of City's fanbase impacts upon potential signings, Askey replied: “Yes, it does.

“Sometimes that’s the difference between players signing for York and other clubs. They come to the stadium, they see what the crowds were towards the end of the season.

“One or two (new signings) came and watched the games and saw what a fantastic atmosphere it is.

“It’s a great place to be, especially if we’re winning. It makes a huge difference to the players and it makes it easier for me to sell the football club.

“I think (the crowd) was a big thing in why we got promoted last season.

“You could sense a change and when the crowd got behind us, that was a big turning point.

“I think even against Boston, you sense that will from everybody for the team to win and that’s a big reason why we got promoted.”