FORMER York City midfielder Neal Bishop has explained his decision to sign for Barnet was taken to fulfil a life-long ambition of playing in the Football League.

Bishop, 24, was playing for Whitby Town in the UniBond League little more than two years ago and, having finished last season as his team-mates' and the fans' choice as Player of the Year at KitKat Crescent, he felt the North London outfit's offer of a one-year contract was too good an opportunity to pass up.

But he is hoping that it will not be too long before his old club join him in League Two.

Bishop said: "It's always been an ambition of mine to play in the Football League and I thought now was my best chance to do that. It was an opportunity I had to take.

"I wish it could have been with York but it wasn't to be last season. Nothing would make me happier though than seeing York City go up next season.

"That would be my perfect scenario really. I've got a lot of good mates among the playing staff and I wish them all success as I do the fans, who were always great to me."

Bishop turned down the offer of a new contract with City last month and told the Press he wanted his salary to fall in line with the club's top earners.

Further discussions then took place with managing director Jason McGill but Bishop added: "I was offered a very slight increase but there were other different parts of the contract that I could not agree to and sign. It wasn't just money."

Bishop's transfer to League Two club Barnet will see him play under England National Game XI boss Paul Fairclough, who will have witnessed the former Scarborough midfielder at close quarters during last month's Four Nations Tournament in Scotland.

About his new manager, Bishop added: "I got a good look at the way he does things and I like the way he goes about his business so I'm looking forward to working with him at club level."

Bishop's move will also involve him relocating to the capital from his Middlesbrough home but he said: "The club are helping me every step of the way in getting somewhere."