ANOTHER string to York City's youth bow has been tightened after a nap-hand of talent tie-ups.

The Minstermen have recently reached agreement with five junior clubs whereby an ex-change of teenage talent will hopefully be of mutual benefit.

The first formal connection between City and a local amateur club was signed some two years ago when New Earswick came on board.

Now Pocklington, Copmanthorpe, Pannal Ash, Tockwith, from Rotherham, and Sheffield's York County football clubs have all signed similar agreements.

It takes City's hopes of establishing a mini-network of alliances with junior clubs, all feeding talent through, a significant step closer.

But, according to youth development officer Garry Naylor, City are continuing to cast their net wide and are hopeful more clubs, including some from the North East, will sign up soon.

The current agreement sees the junior clubs recommending players with potential to City, who in turn will provide help with coaching and equipment.

The success of the scheme could be realised later this month.

The six clubs now linked to the Minstermen plus a number of other junior clubs have been invited to attend City's Wigginton road training ground during the upcoming half-term holidays.

A mini-tournament involving all the selected teams will be staged giving City's youth coaching staff, headed by Paul Stancliffe, a chance to cast their eye over some of the region's brightest young talent.

AS York City and Scunthorpe prepared to go head to head this afternoon, Manchester United's David Beckham can stand accused of putting the boot in.

It appears England skipper Becks has had a hand - or at least a foot - in both City and the Iron's recent defeats at the hands of Blackpool.

Former Old Trafford trainee Richard Wellens has been doing the business for the Seasiders in a pair of boots given to him by the superstar.

Wellens scored in last week's 6-0 thumping of Scunthorpe and credits the foot-wear with helping him bag that superb and decisive free-kick against the Minstermen just a week earlier.

Blackpool boss Steve McMahon said: "Beck-ham himself would have been proud of Richard's free-kick."

Barry Conlon appears to be doing his chances of earning a permanent switch to Second Division Colchester United no harm.

The City striker, currently on loan at Layer Road until the end of the season, has bagged just three goals in 12 appearances so far.

However, his all-round play has reportedly been much improved and this week the affable Irishman was named in the Nationwide Football League Division Two team of the week.