York City fans 'start to see what Ryan Fallowfield can do'

Fallowfield was one of 17 players to have joined York this summer, as the club looked to bolster their squad following their promotion to the Vanarama National League.

The 26-year-old joined from Sky Bet League Two side Harrogate Town, having spent five seasons with the Sulphurites and has since made six appearances for City this term.

“Michael Duckworth started the season off and did really well in his first game,” reflected boss Askey.

“Ryan had been out for quite a bit with an injury (groin), before he came to us. It’s taken a little bit of time to adjust, but now, over the last couple of games, we’ve started to see what Ryan can do.

“Against Yeovil, I thought he got forward well and defended the same. He’s doing well, but what we’re getting now is competition for places.

“He knows that to stay in the team, the team needs to be winning and he needs to be doing well.”

Fallowfield and fan favourite Duckworth will be vying for the right-back position throughout the season.

“The competition should better them, if you’re winning games, everything fits into place,” enthused Askey.

“Not only do we have competition at the full-back position, we’ve got competition all through the team.

“That’s what you need, when one goes out, someone of equal ability comes in. Whoever goes out, we know it’s not going to weaken the team.”

Especially in the early stages of the current term, Askey has sometimes utilised a five-at-the-back formation.

Discussing his wing-backs, Askey noted: “You need players with plenty of energy and Ryan has got that in abundance.

“I think him and Mitch (Hancox), they work really hard for the team, unselfish at times.

“Both of them fit that way if we need to play with wing-backs, as does Alex Whittle.

“There’s still things Ryan needs to work on in his game, especially on the defensive side of it, but he knows that.

“We’ll keep trying to help him. Hopefully while he’s with us, he becomes a better player.”