JOHN ASKEY has hailed the impact of late summer addition Dan Pybus at York City, believing that the holding midfielder’s game has spread confidence through the team.

Pybus joined York just four days before the start of the Vanarama National League season after being released by Cinch Scottish Championship side Dunfermline Athletic.

Having been close to joining Sky Bet League Two side Leyton Orient, a move which fell through amid Pybus suffering from appendicitis, the midfielder eventually penned a deal with City.

Since then, the former Bradford City man has featured in all of York’s first six matches and arguably been the side’s stand-out player.

Pybus leads defensive duals won in the National League at 75, six more than any other player, and ranks second in interceptions at 50, only two behind leader Femi Ilesanmi of Boreham Wood.

“I don’t look at stats too much but just from watching him, you can see Dan’s doing well and he’s playing well for the team,” York manager Askey said.

“I always felt like we needed somebody in that position. Luckily, we got him in at the last minute and he’s fitted in really well.

“He had very little training beforehand because he had appendicitis only four weeks prior to coming in.

“So, he’s done remarkably well. He’s a confident player, he wants to get on the ball and keep the ball for us.

“I think with the other players, it gives them confidence seeing him do that as well.”

Following promotion through the National League North play-offs last term, City lost two key players in goalkeeper Peter Jameson, to Harrogate Town, and defensive midfielder Akil Wright, to Stockport County, during the close-season.

Vitally, their two replacements, Ethan Ross and Pybus respectively, have slotted in seamlessly.

Askey added: “Dan’s a different type of player to Akil. Akil was more athletic and stronger. Dan’s slightly better on the ball. The way that we play, we need players like Dan. I’ve been really pleased with him.”