Nottingham Forest talent Sam Sanders helped York City win promotion to the National League yesterday.
The Minstermen defeated Boston United 2-0 at the LNER Community Stadium to end their exile from the top division of non-league football.
York were 16th at Christmas and clearly, the arrival of Sanders has seen them leap up the National League North table.
Play-offs are a lottery at the best of times. With the six-team nature of the non-league play-offs, however, York have taken full advantage of their recent momentum.
Sanders has made 13 appearances for City during his time at the club. Prior to that, he played 13 times for the Under-23s on Trentside.
The central defender has grown as a player under John Askey. He has relished the chance to play first-team football and now, he will hope for more football next season.
After yesterday’s game, Sanders received some praise from the York Press. Following the win, they produced a player ratings piece and the Forest man received an 8/10.
On his performance, they wrote: “Sanders, on loan from Nottingham Forest, had a brilliant performance partnered with Kouogun. He may be young but he has clear ability and an even clearer potential.”
Sanders wins promotion and another loan away from Forest could beckon
Forest have a decision to make on Sanders. He’s out of contract in a couple of months and it’ll be interesting to see if he gets an extension.
The Reds have a proud history with youngsters and the 20-year-old could still have a future at the club.
If Forest decide to offer him a new deal then another loan away from the City Ground could really unleash his potential.
Sanders has proved he can play men’s football during his time at York and he will be delighted to get an early promotion on his CV.