York boss Mills rules out Simon Lappin return

(Picture: The York Press)
By Matt Bishop
York City boss Gary Mills has ruled out a return to the Minstermen for former midfielder Simon Lappin.
The 34-year-old, who played for Norwich City and in the Scottish Premiership for St Mirren, impressed while at Bootham Crescent last season, but saw his spell curtailed in February due to an achilles injury that restricted him to just nine appearances.
However, with his recovery nearing completion, and injury to current York midfielder Adriano Moke, a second swoop for Lappin had been rumoured – however Mills says that is unlikely.
Speaking to The York Press, the 55-year-old manager said: “I don’t think for one minute that will be a possibility. He lives a long way away and I think it would be a no-no financially.
“I know he would like to come back because he was disappointed by what happened to him and the club last season, but I’ve not heard from him and he might be on a beach in Majorca.
“He will also still be struggling with his Achilles and, no disrespect to him because for his age he is very fit, but that will be difficult because he’d had a year out of the game just before coming to us.
“I wish him well, though, because he was doing well for us and I was disappointed to lose him.”
Mills is now looking ahead to Saturday’s trip to Chorley, hoping his side can bounce back from a disappointing Bank Holiday Monday performance that saw them lose 2-0 at home to FC United of Manchester.
The result leaves York now languishing eighth in National League North, after what has been an indifferent start to the season, and the manager wants a response.
“We had a couple of days off to get over the disappointment of Monday and have come back ready physically and mentally for the next one,” said Mills.
“By losing, some would say it’s become an average start. If we win the next two games, then we’ll be able to say we’ve had a good start again.
“If we don’t, then it won’t have been a particularly good start and I understand the fans’ frustrations, because of who we are and where we are. They expect us to be up there and we should be, but it’s a long season.”