Wilkinson, 21, son of Leeds United legend Howard, is one of six new arrivals at KitKat Crescent along with Daniel McBreen, Michael Ingham, Steve Hogg, Niall Henderson and new skipper Mark Greaves.

It's a new-look York and Wilkinson is convinced City have the strength to mount, at the very least, a bid for the Blue Square Premier play-offs.

Promising Wilkinson's career is on an upward curve – the midfielder failing to break into the Hull City side but then gained valuable experience in the Scottish Premier League with 13 appearances on loan at Gretna last term.

Now he's signed terms at York and hopes both he and the Minstermen can reach new heights in Blue Square Premier.

"I can't see why we shouldn't go for it. We've got to aim for the best," said Wilkinson.

"I can't see why not. We've got a good squad here and you can see from the training that the standard is very good.

"You can see how well they did once the manager took over last year and had they had that all season they would not have been far off being top of the league.

"If we can maintain that form with the new signings that the manager has brought in, and he'll maybe make a couple more, then I'm sure we can push for promotion."

Promotion would be a welcome boost in Wilkinson's fortunes as he has experienced both highs and lows despite his young years.

A cruciate ligament injury at 18 held Wilkinson back and the midfielder was then all set to join York but after a handful of games for the reserves under Walker he was re-routed on loan to Gretna.

It was at Gretna in the SPL where Wilkinson experienced an emotional rollercoaster ride during the club's sad demise.

"I was at Hull and I was going to come to York last season but I only got so far," he said. "I played a couple of reserve games, but they ended up bringing in other people and I ended up going to Gretna.

"It was disappointing not getting in the side at Hull but it was a great experience going up to Gretna getting Scottish Premier League experience and because of the tough times the club were going through, which was not nice for anyone.

"I'll always look back with fond memories, though, and everyone at Gretna grew quite close because of the hard times we were going through.

"It's certainly something I'll not forget."

Wilkinson is now looking to utilise his experience and insists York's squad are in excellent shape for the time of year.

Already City have played two pre-season friendlies and the Minstermen began their practice games with a 6-0 thrashing of hosts Tadcaster Albion on Tuesday night.

Trialist David Brown and Craig Farrell both bagged braces while Richard Brodie and Martyn Woolford were also on the scoresheet.

York also hosted Leeds United in the Whites' first friendly on Friday evening.

Wilkinson believes York are well forward for mid-July and has enjoyed his first few training sessions with the gelling of six new signings seemingly not an issue.

"I started training last Wednesday and it's been a good workout with the lads.

"Physically, there has been a lot of running and what have you, but the squad looks in very good shape.

"All the lads look sharp. They have all worked hard and it's all geared up to when we start on August 9."


Before then six more friendlies await York and, as far as Wilkinson is concerned, it's the more the merrier.

"We've got Middlesbrough, Barnsley and Harrogate and we've got eight altogether," he said.

"When you are coming back from a break you have your training, but there is nothing better than having a match on the pitch and that will give us a nice chance for matches."

York are certainly approaching the new season in fine fettle and with match fitness seemingly assured and boss Walker happy with his 21-man squad, there will be no excuses when the season begins with their fixture against Crawley Town.

An air of undoubted optimism circles KitKat Crescent and Wilkinson feels boss Walker and a talented coaching team have been hugely influential in turning York around.

"I've only known Colin for four or five days to be fair but he has a great team there and he's got some great coaching staff," said Wilkinson.

"The lads there all want to play for him and he's created a good atmosphere at the club.

"There are new faces but I've met everyone and everyone gets on.

"There's a good team sprit here."