Updated: York City’s newest addition Peter Till turned down overtures from Port Vale and Burton Albion to sign for the Minstermen.

The winger told The Press he had been made to feel wanted by York manager Martin Foyle as he spurned the League clubs for a stint at Bootham Crescent.

Till was released by Walsall in May after making 34 appearances for the Saddlers in League One.

The ex-Birmingham City schoolboy has also enjoyed spells at Scunthorpe, Grimsby and Chesterfield and is dropping into non-League football for the first time.

The 24-year-old said: “It was an important decision. I have had interest from League clubs, but there hasn’t been a manager that said ‘we want you to come here’.

“It has always been ‘we’re looking at a number of other players and we are interested in you as well’.

“For me, the interest that Martin showed in me just made me feel wanted – and that was a massive factor in my decision.”

Foyle was delighted to get his man and believes Till’s versatility – he can play on the left, right or even up front – will be key as York begin a new assault on promotion in August.

“He’s a division one player and he’s decided to join York City, which is absolutely fantastic for us because he’s an exciting out-and-out winger and he is someone who is probably going to create a little bit more in that final third, while also helping us to retain possession a little bit better,” he said.

“I am absolutely delighted to get him on board and I think it’s a good coup for us. He hugs the touchline, he has the ability to run at people. He’s pacy and he’s just what I have been looking for.

“Sometimes you have got to be a little patient at this level and wait for the right player – who actually wants to come here and play for us. It’s a great signing.

“I am really looking forward to him getting started and I think he will certainly be a crowd pleaser as well as a good outlet for us as a team.

“We will probably have smaller numbers than last year and he has the ability to play both sides. He can play up front. He has just got that knack of controlling the ball, beating players and they are worth their weight in gold.”

Foyle confirmed he was still looking to add to his squad, but reckons in Till he could have a “very good player” on his hands.

“I am still on the hunt,” he added.

“Hopefully, I will agree another one. It’s important because I have got three very good strikers at this level and I need someone who can be a little bit more flexible and play out wide.

“Peter has got a good pedigree – League football is very important.

“He will probably have the culture shock of playing non-League but the standard has got so much better.

“I just felt that we played so well across the middle of the park that sometimes we just needed that little bit of variation. I only had half a season out of Adam (Smith), but Peter’s record is very good.

“I’ve just got to improve the goal-scoring side of it. He’s always been told to hug the touchline, but I like my wide players to get in the box.

“If we can improve that then I know I have got a very good player on my hands.”