FORMER York City captain Simon Heslop has joined Scarborough Athletic ahead of the new season.

Heslop left York City after three seasons with the club in the summer of 2019, but he continued to train with the Minstermen on a regular basis to aid his fitness amid a knee injury that required an operation.

The 34-year-old made 97 appearances for York, scoring 10 goals during that time.

The York-born midfielder has since spent time at fellow Vanarama National League North sides Boston United and Blyth Spartans after leaving Steve Watson’s side.

He now moves down a tier to sign for Pitching In Northern Premier League premier division outfit Scarborough.

Scarborough were 11th after eight games in the cancelled 2020/21 season and were eighth in the null and void 2019/20.

Heslop moves to an Athletic side with plenty of familiar faces to York City fans, including manager Jonathan Greening and his assistant Michael Ingham, both of whom had notable spells with the Minstermen.

Goalkeeper Ryan Whitley is also on loan at Scarborough from City until January while ex-York striker Michael Coulson is also in the Seadogs squad.

On Heslop’s signing, Greening told Scarborough’s website: "I'm delighted to have Hessy on board, he's turned down bigger offers from the league above to come in to help us push for promotion.

"He brings to the table bags of experience and can play numerous positions which will be vital throughout a long season.

"He's a great guy, a leader and a good talker on the pitch and hopefully can help the younger lads in the squad."