FORGET “Arsenal of the Conference” – York City will look more like “Barca of the Conference” once the new season kicks off on August 9.

City’s new red and blue home kit was revealed at a rain-soaked photo-call yesterday and bears more than a passing resemblance to the Nike kit also unveiled by Nou Camp giants Barcelona this week.

With Spain securing Euro 2008 success this summer and Rafa Nadal winning his first Wimbledon title, perhaps it is no surprise that the Minstermen should want to adopt a similar first-team shirt to that which will be worn by the Mediterranean country’s two-time Champions League winners.

Finance director Terry Doyle might have been a tad optimistic when he said, back in 2004, that the Minstermen should endeavour to emulate Arsenal’s unbeaten “Invincibles” team following the club’s relegation from the Football League.

But, with current City boss Colin Walker having been on the coaching staff at Barnsley when the Oakwell faithful regularly belted out “It’s Just Like Watching Brazil,” KitKat Crescent regulars will, no doubt, be hoping for a little Catalan panache to match their new colours.

Should that happen, you can expect the odd “Olé” from the David Longhurst Stand and maybe now is the appropriate time to trade pie for paella in City’s catering huts.

City will also be changing their away kit with the new strip due to be christened during the pre-season friendly at Sheffield FC on Saturday, August 2.

Fortunately for City fans with sensitive eyes, it will not be a version of the luminous orange favoured by former Barca manager Frank Rijkaard’s men on their travels last season.

Check out next week’s friendly to find out.