York City sign winger Nathan Thomas

York City have completed the signing of former Hartlepool, and Carlisle winger Nathan Thomas, on a deal that initially lasts until January, subject to international clearance.

Nathan Thomas Photograph: YCFC

York City have completed the signing of former Hartlepool, and Carlisle winger Nathan Thomas, on a deal that initially lasts until January, subject to international clearance.

Thomas has been without a club for over a year now, however he's been training with City for the past six or seven weeks improving his standard, so isn't entirely new to the set-up at York.

The addition of the 28-year-old is the 17th signing for The Minstermen, since winning promotion back to the National League last season.

Starting out around the North East academies of Newcastle and Sunderland, Thomas earnt himself a loan move to Darlington, where he made his first appearances.

Thomas recorded his first Football League appearance at Plymouth during the 2013/14 season, finishing his spell there having played a total 24 times.

A brief period at Motherwell was then followed by a move to Mansfield, where the winger didn't hit the heights he'd have wanted to, scoring only once in 21 appearances.

York's newest recruit did make up for his previous spell, after joining Hartlepool, and boasting 22 goal involvements across 56 games in all competitions.

Statistics from his time with The Pools saw Thomas incur in a dream move to Championship outfit Sheffield United, though his three-year stay resulted in just the three appearances, with two goals throughout.

During the period that Thomas spent with The Blades, he also found game time over multiple loan spells with the likes of Shrewsbury, Notts County and  Carlisle.

Before departing Sheffield, the 28-year-old spent another year at Carlisle, showing his creative side with nine goals and eight assists.

Most recently, Hamilton Academical was Thomas' temporary home for the 20/21 campaign, before dropping out of football until the current day. He failed to score in 11 appearances at the Fountain of Youth Stadium.

Upon putting pen to paper with The Minstermen, Thomas spoke to club media, reflecting on a much-needed move, after months out of the game.

He said, "It’s been a long time since I’ve been attached to a club.

“I’m delighted, I’ve been with the club for quite a while already. I’ve been in for about six or seven weeks to get myself up to a standard of being able to play.

“So, I’m over the moon to finally get it over the line.”

York's new signing is fairly local, so that was one of the main factors in joining forces with the club.

"I know the club got promoted last season, and there's been a big change that's happened, especially with the stadium.

"Obviously, at the start of the season, the team started really well, and we're challenging at the right end of the league.

"For me, it wasn't about that; it was about a project to get involved in, that I want to be in, and being local as well, it helps.

The creative winger has been on trial with City for some time now, and spoke on the welcome he's had.

“From day one the lads have welcomed me in and been really good.

“Especially the manager as well because the levels I was at when I first came in compared to now, it did take a little bit of patience.

“They’ve looked after me, I’ve really enjoyed it which made signing so much easier.”

"York City now approach their home game against Torquay on Saturday, with an extra player amongst their ranks, and it's a chance for Thomas to make his first appearance since May 2021.