Foyle delighted by FA Cup draw

Martin Foyle has just completed his first year in charge at York City

York City manager Martin Foyle says he is looking forward to the FA Cup third round after his side were drawn away to the Premier League's Stoke City.

Foyle's side beat Blue Square Premier rivals Cambridge United on Saturday.

"It's a great draw and I was shell-shocked, as both me and (coach) Andy Porter are former Port Vale players and coaches," Foyle told BBC Radio York.

"Opposition is important for the players. We wanted to pull out a Premiership side, it's a day out."

York's communications director, Sophie Hicks, who helped the club to survive six years ago, added: "It's a dream come true.

"It's a fantastic draw for the club and a fantastic money-spinner. We're hoping for a crowd of over 20,000."

York made a small profit recently through an FA Trophy final appearance and the sale of winger Martyn Woolford to Scunthorpe, and will receive half of the gate receipts from the Stoke game, a fact which Hicks is very grateful for.

This really, really helps to stabilise the football club

York director Sophie Hicks

She added: "This board of directors want success. The board is committed to supporting the manager. We've bought Michael Gash (for £55,000) and have invested in the team this season."

"This really, really helps to stabilise the football club."

And Both Foyle and Hicks insist the club will not be travelling to the Britannia Stadium just to make up the numbers.

"We've got a good chance away at Stoke and we're really going for it," Hicks added.