YORK City have bolstered their forward line with the permanent signing of Billy Chadwick.

The 23-year-old striker arrives at the LNER Community Stadium on a permanent deal following his release from Sky Bet League Two side Stockport County, for whom he signed last summer before joining Gateshead on a season-long loan.

He is a familiar face to City supporters, having played the entirety of both of the Heed's matches against the Minstermen over the festive period - including yesterday's clash at the LNER Community Stadium.

Manager Neal Ardley promised to add flair and creativity in what is expected to be a busy January for City, and with the ability to play at 10 or on either wing, Chadwick has certainly caught the eye over the last week.

In total, the forward racked up 23 appearances, five goals and two assists for the Heed during his spell in the North East during the first half of the season.

Hull-born Chadwick joined the academy at his hometown club aged 11, and worked his way through the ranks.

He made a near instant impact on his debut for the Tigers against Leicester City Under 21s in September 2020, setting up Keane Lewis-Potter to score their only goal from a pinpoint cross into the box.

A second substitute appearance followed against Leeds United in the Carabao Cup a week later, in which he scored a penalty as Hull prevailed 10-9 in the shootout.

Having turned out for the Tigers throughout November 2020, he extended his stay in East Yorkshire until 2022, when a further option was taken up to to keep him at the club until 2023.

Chadwick's first foray into the Vanarama National League came in the form of a one-month loan with FC Halifax Town that December. Scoring on his debut against Hartlepool United, he netted a further twice in the four appearances that followed.

Four substitute appearances for Hull across Sky Bet League One and the EFL Trophy eventually led to a second spell with the Shaymen, where he scored a further twice in 13 appearances.

The highly-rated talent swapped England for Linfield and the Northern Irish Football League in 2021-22, making 18 appearances - including a trio of UEFA Europa Conference League Qualifiers - before being ruled out for the remainder of the season with a serious knee injury.

Chadwick's loan spells continued at National League North outfit Boston United the following season, where he scored 11 goals in 20 appearances upon his return from injury - including the division's Goal of the Season with a stunning long-range strike against Leamington.