Barry Conlon today warned his new team-mates: League Two is no stroll in the park.

City are backing themselves to cope with the hype of being the division's big name and bounce back up at the first attempt. Stuart McCall has already said that anything less will be seen as a failure.

Conlon, one half of the strike duo snapped up by McCall on Monday, shares the confidence of his new boss.

But as a seasoned campaigner in the football basement, he knows how demanding it will be.

The 28-year-old has played at the lowest level with four different clubs, including Darlington and Mansfield last season. And he has predicted that some may be surprised by the overall standard. "It's always been strong and physical but it's certainly got better football-wise over the years," he said.

"The quality and standard has improved and I don't think it will be much different for the fans from what they've been used to last season.

"I've played at higher levels but it is still tough in this league and you've got to be ready for that. But the main thing is just to get out of this division."

His CV features ten different clubs but Conlon is still looking for his first promotion - an ambition he is eager to achieve after signing an initial one-year deal at Valley Parade.

The closest he came was with Barnsley two seasons ago. Although they went up to the Championship, he missed out after suffering a serious knee injury during a loan spell at Rotherham which sidelined him for six months.

"That was unfortunate not to be involved but hopefully we can do it this season and I'll play my part. This is a club with a great history and tradition and we want to get promoted as quick as possible.

"That's the way the manager's looking at it and all the players have to do the same. If you're not looking to go up, there's no point in being here and you'll just end up mid-table."

McCall was planning to get in touch with Barnsley boss Simon Davey to see how the land lies with trialists Nathan Joynes and Thomas Harban. The Tykes are due back to begin their pre-season training on Thursday.

McCall said: "It was good of Simon to let me have a look at them before Barnsley go back.

"I believe they'll be quite happy if we decide to keep the two lads but I need to clarify it."

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