WORKING with his new-look squad is an exciting prospect for York City manager Gary Mills.

The Minstermen boss has been busy overseeing a series of ins and outs during a hectic summer at Bootham Crescent.

A total of eight new signings have been added to the ten players retained from last season’s squad.

After capturing proven Blue Square Bet Premier performers such as striker Jason Walker, right-back Lanre Oyebanjo and winger Matty Blair, Mills, pictured, is keen to get down to work.

“I have got 18 players signed up and I am delighted with that 18 – it excites me,” he said.

“People are optimistic, the fans are looking forward to the season and that’s how it should be.

“It is fantastic to hear what the fans are saying – we are all here for York City and want to be successful for them.”

Mills’ stated target was a squad of 18 or 19 players and he insists that is the ideal number to carry into the campaign.

“A squad of 18 or 19 is what I wanted to work with. That’s always been the case with me.

“It is a healthy number. If you have 23 or 24 players, there are too many sitting in the stands and losing fitness.

“There are 16 being used so, with 18 or 19 in the squad, only a couple of players are missing out. I feel that’s the right way to go.”