Promotion 'just the start' for Maynard's York
Stuart Maynard was mobbed by ecstatic York fans after their promotion triumph
- Published
Stuart Maynard is keen to strengthen York City's squad following the club's dramatic return to the English Football League.
Josh Stones' last-gasp equaliser in a thrilling 1-1 draw with promotion rivals Rochdale clinched the National League title for the Minstermen.
And boss Maynard, who had a 16-month spell as Notts County manager prior to taking over at York last summer, believes his side can make an impact in League Two.
"Two or three days, we're going to really enjoy it and I think everyone needs to," he told BBC Radio York.
"Once we get those two or three days out of the way, we'll be back on it; focused and ready to prepare for next season.
"It's just the start of the journey for me. There has been loads of work in the background - there always is."
Maynard believes his current squad is well-equipped to make the step up, but he is looking to make improvements.
He explained: "People say about replacing players, but you don't - you add. You've got to keep adding to support the group.
"We've got a group of players that are incredible and I know they're going to perform in League Two as well.
"It's tougher. We've got to raise the bar. We've been incredible this year, but I believe there's more.
"I can't wait to get back for pre-season. I'm so excited to get back. There's much more to come."
York's promotion back to the League after a 10-year absence - five years of which were spent in National League North - was secured in incredible circumstances.
Needing just a point to go up automatically, they appeared to have been consigned to the play-offs when Emmanuel Dieseruvwe scored for second-placed Rochdale in the fifth minute of stoppage time.
York City were promoted in the most dramatic fashion - scoring in the 13th minute of stoppage time at title rivals Rochdale
Believing their team was going up, home fans invaded the pitch in scenes of wild celebration.
When the game finally restarted, York threw everyone forward and Stones bundled the ball over the line to secure the draw to take them up.
Maynard said the break in play worked to York's advantage.
He explained: "Their fans coming onto the pitch helped us, because what it did was it gave us all a chance to process everything that's just happened.
"It is real heartbreak. But then when the skipper comes over and says 'Gaffer, there's a big chance for us', all of a sudden you know there's a real belief that we can go down the other end and score."
'It won't sink in'
York's return from the football wilderness is a personal triumph for Maynard.
The 45-year-old was sacked by Notts County after they missed out on promotion last season, losing to AFC Wimbledon in the League Two play-offs.
York suffered their own heartbreak, losing to Oldham in the National League play-offs, having missed out to Barnet in the battle for automatic promotion.
That led to Adam Hinshelwood being replaced by Maynard, who has delivered promotion at the first attempt.
"It won't sink in. Occasions like this won't sink in for a long, long time and then you actually reflect on it, watch the game back and realise just what's happened," said Maynard.
"I'm just proud of everyone associated with the club. We've all got on the journey together this season."
