JAMAL FYFIELD sees no reason why York City can’t be challenging for promotion from League Two next season.

The 23-year-old defender became the latest player to commit to the Minstermen as they return to the Football League after signing a one-year contract, with an option to extend, at Bootham Crescent.

Fyfield played 35 times as manager Gary Mills’ men secured the FA Trophy and promotion in a Wembley double and the former Leyton Orient youth is determined not to settle for an average campaign in 2012/13.

“I’ve been trying to get to this stage ever since I left Leyton Orient so I am happy to be back at York City,” he said of signing his contract. “I was released (by Orient) at the end of my scholarship so this will be the first time I have played in the League.

“I’m really excited and, with the boys we have got, I think we will be fine.

“At the first day of pre-season last year, the gaffer said to us that we were going for promotion and nothing less. That’s exactly what we did.

“You have seen it in the past with teams that have gone straight up after coming out of the Conference – the likes of Stevenage and Dagenham.

“With the squad we have got, and a few additions, I am sure we could do exactly the same.”

Fyfield played at both left-back and centre-back during York’s successful Blue Square Bet Premier promotion bid last season but found himself out of the first team in periods and did not play a part in the dual Wembley triumphs.

While stressing his desire to play in every match, Fyfield said he had also learned important lessons from those spells on the sidelines.

“I became more of a team player,” he explained. “I learned patience.

“You learn that you have to help out your team-mates – even if they are playing in your position. You want to be playing but you realise it is for the team’s cause and not just your own.

“You have to all pull in the same direction and all pull to the same place to get there. We did that with two victories at Wembley.

“You have to change your attitude when you are in such a successful team.

“When you are in a team like that, there are so many good players that you have to be on your game 24/7. If you are not then someone always steps in.”

Fyfield added: “I’ve always said that, anywhere I am selected, I’ll do my best and the best for the team. Centre-half and left-back are my preferred positions but I’ll play anywhere the gaffer wants me. If Inghy (Michael Ingham) picks up another injury I’ll go in goal.”

And while City’s League Two opener against Wycombe Wanderers on August 18 is certain to be an emotional occasion for supporters, Fyfield will not be getting carried away.

“I’m a firm believer in playing the game, not the occasion,” he said. “It’s just another game. You have to go out there and do what you have been doing on the training pitch. Hopefully we will get the first win.”