NEW Pickering Town boss Pete Vasey could look to mine the talents of York City in his bid to build a formidable side next season.
The former Bootham Crescent trainee, who has also been a York City in the Community development coach and worked with Minstermite bosses Steve Torpey and Neil Redfearn, hopes he will be able to pick up a couple of gems from his former stamping-ground.
Tadcaster Albion, with the likes of Ryan Qualter and Nick Thompson, have had great success signing youth team players released by the Blue Square Bet Premier club.
And with City choosing to keep none of the current crop of seniors on their books, Vasey is hoping he can step in and utilise their talents to Pickering’s advantage.
He said: “That City team, with Ryan and Nick in it, finished second in the league that season. It was a great squad of players that we had there at York.
“Those two aside, the likes of Tom Richardson and Johnny Andrew have been released, and it is those types of players and that age group that I am looking to tap into.”
Vasey, 28, said he was thrilled to have been given the Pickering reins – having applied for the position after seeing an advertisement for Mitch Cook’s replacement in The Press.
An ex-Pike, who has had two spells as a player with the club, Vasey comes to the Recreation Ground equipped with an UEFA ‘B’ coaching licence and big plans.
“I’m absolutely delighted,” he added. It was something I was interested in straight away.
“I know the club very well, I know the chairman is someone I can rely on, can trust and will get good support from.
“I’m an organised chap so we fit together well and, when he told me the news, I snapped his hand off.”
Vasey has yet to announce his assistant but will bring in former York Community colleague Danny Palmer in as Under-19s coach and also plans to register as a player – although he aims to use himself only in the event of injuries to his squad.
“Players like Liam Salt, Tommy Adams and Michael McNaughton were here when I played at Pickering so there are a few familiar faces and that helps you settle in,” he said.
“They know what type of player I was and they know I will take that approach into the way I deal with the players.
“These are very exciting times. I’ve had a chat with the chairman and everything sounds spot on.
“I am a young manager – I’m not sure Pickering have had a younger manager before – and promotion will be my goal. Obviously to achieve that within the first year might be bordering on the ambitious side but I am excited about the prospects.
“We are an ambitious club and I will be looking to build on the success the club had last year.
“With the players I will be able to bring in, along with the ones that are already here, I am confident there will be a good blend and we will be a successful football club.”
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