SAM SANDERS has described his decision to turn down a new deal with Nottingham Forest in favour of staying at York City as a "no-brainer".

Sanders converted last season's four-month loan spell at York into a permanent move on Tuesday by signing a two-year deal with City.

The defender had been offered a renewed contract by the newly-promoted Premier League side but instead chose to remain with the Minstermen.

“It was a no-brainer really," he explained of the decision. "We’d just been promoted, playing in the National League, (having) first-team football.

“Looking at the National League nowadays, there’s some massive teams in there, York being one of them. It was a no-brainer for me really.”

Sanders arrived on loan at York in February and quickly established himself as one of the starting centre-backs as promotion was secured through the Vanarama National League North play-offs.

“I was here on loan at the end of the season and broke into the team and ever since then it’s been amazing," he enthused.

“The fans here are unbelievable, when you see the attendances week-in, week-out and then in the play-offs they were breaking records. They get behind you every step of the way.

“It was an amazing group of lads that were here last year and I got on with every single one of them.

“I’m buzzing to be back.”

The 20-year-old formed a solid defensive partnership last term with Maxim Kouogun, who has also penned a new deal to stay for the 2022/23 season.

“That’s really good to see a familiar face in that back four," said Sanders.

“Last season we had quite a few clean sheets together and formed that connection, so it’s nice to see him back here again and to able to play with him again.”