“RUTHLESS, determined, a winner.” That is how new York City striker Ollie Pearce described Adam Hinshelwood as he reunites with his former boss at the LNER Community Stadium.

Pearce, who scored an incredible 43 goals in 46 appearances last season, made the move to North Yorkshire after opting not to extend his contract at Vanarama National League South high-fliers Worthing.

Having been linked with City since Hinshelwood’s appointment in February, the 28-year-old was their fourth and final signing on a Super Saturday last weekend, joining goalkeeper Harrison Male, Worthing teammate Joe Felix, and Maidenhead winger Ashley Nathaniel-George in a real statement of intent by the Minstermen.

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And having worked under Hinshelwood for five years at the Rebels, he admitted the prospect of playing under him again had been one of the contributing factors to his move north.

“I’m absolutely buzzing,” the forward, who netted over 150 goals during his time at Worthing, enthused to his new club.

“I’m delighted to finally get it over the line and I’m really happy to be here.

“[Reuniting with Hinshelwood] is obviously a big reason why I’ve come up here as well. I’ve worked under Hinsh for a long time, so it’s been the main reason why I’ve come in.

“He’s ruthless, determined and a winner, so hopefully he can bring that up here as well.”

Those are qualities that Pearce also believes reflects in him as a person.

“I’ve had a successful last few years, especially in terms of scoring goals, so hopefully that will come with me and we can have a successful time as well.”

Reflecting on a prolific 2023/24 season that ultimately ended in a gutting 4-3 defeat to Braintree Town in the play-off final, he admitted: “It was a disappointing end.

“But personally, it was a really proud season and a really good season.

“I scored a lot of goals and there were a lot of good times, but unfortunately we missed out on winning the play-off final. But overall, it was a really good season.

“It’s been a successful six years for me personally, and also for Hinsh at Worthing. He brings that winning mentality and I’d like to bring that as well.”

York Press: Reuniting with former manager Adam Hinshelwood has been one of the driving factors to Pearce's move north.Reuniting with former manager Adam Hinshelwood has been one of the driving factors to Pearce's move north. (Image: Tom Poole)

As for the attacking style of football that Hinshelwood has begun to implement at City, Pearce believes that is something that “suits him down to the ground”.

He explained: “How he sees the game, that works for me. I’ve done really well for him over the last few years and hopefully that will continue.

“I’d say I’m annoying, ratty, and I put myself in good positions to score goals.”

It has been a mix of excitement and nerves for the prolific marksman thus far - but he insists that his football will do the talking.

“I think anyone would be lying if you said you didn’t want to do as well as you can,” Pearce continued.

“It’s been a successful few years and I want to keep on pushing myself and the club as hard as we possibly can.

“This is a massive football club with a big fanbase, so it’s one that should be pushing up the top end of the table. Hopefully I can help achieve that.”