MATT Hocking has joined York City's fight to reclaim their place in Division Two.

Matt Hocking

The 21-year-old defender has signed a three-year deal in a £15,000 move from Hull City.

"I look at it as a step up for me rather than a step down," said Hocking, who has been on loan at Bootham Crescent from the Tigers since March.

City boss Neil Thompson liked what he saw in the seven weeks Hocking spent with the Minstermen and was delighted to make the move permanent. "He has a lot of pace and commitment and wants to play. He's also willing to learn," said Thompson.

Boston-born Hocking already has experience of the Third Division, having played around 50 games for Hull, whom he joined in September 1997.

He was on Sheffield United's books as a youngster and was recommended by then then Blades boss Nigel Spackman to his former Rangers team-mate Mark Hateley, who was in charge at Hull.

"I'm delighted to be joining York. I love the club, the people and the atmosphere," said Hocking.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.