Sam Sanders has rejected a new deal with Nottingham Forest to sign for York City. The talented central defender opted to sign for the non-league outfit on a permanent basis, ending his time at the City Ground.
Sanders spent some time on loan at York last season. He checked in at the club in February and made 13 appearances for John Askey’s promotion-winning team.
The Minstermen had to do things the hard way with promotion. They snuck into the play-offs, defeating Chorley, Brackley and then Boston United to end their time in the National League North.
Sanders proved an instrumental member of the team under Askey. York were beaten just three times when the centre-back played and he grew as a player under the City boss.
Now, the 20-year-old has made a huge career call. He was offered the chance to stay at Forest and pen a new deal with the Premier League outfit this summer.
Sanders has chosen to reject those terms, however. Instead, he’s opted to pen a two-year contract with York as they bid to be competitive in the National League next season.
The former Forest man struck up a brilliant partnership with Maxim Kouogun last season. The pair conceded just once in three play-off matches as York delighted their fans with promotion.
Sanders joins York and it’s a wise call
It’s rare for a youngster to prioritise playing football over his wallet these days but that is what Sanders has done.
Clearly, he enjoyed playing regularly last season and now feels he’s ready for regular men’s football.
It’s an admirable trait. He could have stayed at Forest and played under-233 football but in truth, he’d have been a million miles away from the first team.
Shortly after checking in at York, Sanders posted a message on Twitter to the City supporters. Clearly, he can’t wait to get going and this could be viewed as a bit of a coup for the Minstermen.
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