THE “adaptable” Nathan Thomas will fit into “numerous systems and different positions” for York City, Kingsley James has revealed.
York signed midfielder Thomas until January on Thursday and the 28-year-old looks set to feature in the matchday squad for tomorrow's Vanarama National League clash with Torquay United (3pm).
The former Sheffield United man’s primary position is as a winger, but James has talked up the versatility Thomas brings to City.
“He’s got a good football brain, so he’ll be quite adaptable for us,” said the Minstermen’s first-team coach.
“He’s naturally more of a wide player but he can play as a number 10 as well, his intelligence and his technical ability allows him to do that.
“He can also play in a front two and run off strikers like Lenny (Lenell John-Lewis).
“He’s quick and direct, so he can play up there. But his best position is out wide.”
Thomas’ move to York sees him feature in non-league football for the first time after a number of previous spells in the Football League for the likes of Hartlepool United, Carlisle United and Plymouth Argyle among others.
“He’s someone that possesses a lot of quality and he’s been at some very good clubs,” enthused James.
“He is quick and powerful. He just needs minutes to get fully fit. Once he’s got that, his quality, as his record shows, is above this level.
“We’ve potentially got a really good player on our hands.”
The ex-Newcastle United youth player had been training with York for the past six weeks prior to signing with the club.
That followed a long spell out injured following his release by Hamilton Academical in the summer of 2021.
“Nathan’s definitely ready to be involved now,” stated James. “He came in to get fit because he’s had a long time out.
“We’re looking forward to introducing him into matches because, up until this point, he’s not been ready.
“Now is the time. He needs minutes to become match-fit.”
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