Bullock's goal

With the new Division Three campaign just two days away, the 22-year-old midfielder admits he can't wait to get started.

Aside from propelling City to promotion glory, Bullock admits he has some personal scores to settle.

Two seasons ago and having established himself as a first-team regular, the Stockton-born schemer bagged nine goals from midfield.

Last season, and despite instructed to perform a more defensive role, Bullock still managed to score seven times.

Speaking to the Evening Press, Bullock, his late surging runs into the box a vital armoury in the Minstermen machine, is determined to do the double this time around.

"I try to get ten goals every season but so far I've not managed it," he conceded.

"This time I'd really like to get at least ten - I'm sick of single figures."

The ten-goal landmark may not be beyond the midfielder based on City's pre-season performances, with Bullock seemingly having a licence to roam forward.

"The gaffer has indicated he wants me to get forward this season and score some goals and that suits me," enthused Bullock.

"Last season, when Luther Blissett was here, I was playing more defensive and I didn't really enjoy it.

"Eventually, towards the end of the season, Terry Dolan got me to attack a lot more and I started to enjoy my football again."

As well as goals, Bullock admits the upcoming season could prove a turning point in his career.

Still only 22, he is, along with Christian Fox, the club's longest serving player, and is now firmly established as a first team regular at Bootham Crescent.

His next goal, he admitted, was establishing himself as one of the Third Division's leading lights.

"I've just turned 22 and people tell me I have played a lot of games," he said.

"But I know myself there can't be anymore excuses now. I can't get away with things just because I'm still relatively young.

"I know I've got to go out there and really establish myself this season in this division and perform week in and week out."

Bullock is quietly confident of the season ahead, and admits he has been mightily impressed by the recruitment drive of new player-manager Chris Brass and his assistant, Lee Nogan.

"The gaffer has made some excellent signings and has really strengthened the squad. There's a really good foundation there," he said.

"It was strange when we arrived back for pre-season. We didn't have a goalkeeper and with only 13 players signed on it was looking a bit bleak.

"But the new signings look excellent and there is good competition in all the positions and I am sure we can go out there and compete with any team in this division."

Bullock is relishing the chance to test the new Minstermen mettle against old foes Carlisle United on Saturday.

"We can expect a hard game there, it is every time we play Carlisle.

"But I always look forward to games against them. It's good test and it will be a brilliant feeling to come away with three points in the bag knowing we won't have to go back there again."

Updated: 11:02 Thursday, August 07, 2003