Lev Yalcin

Levent "Lev" Yalcin (born 25 March 1985) is a former professional footballer who played as a midfielder or a striker.

Club career

York City

Yalcin was born in Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire. He began his career at Newcastle United's centre of excellence before joining York City's youth system. He was called up for North East schools in July 2000, along with teammates Chris Hogg and Graeme Law, which served as a trial for England schools. He was offered a three-year scholarship with York in March 2001, starting for the 2001–02 season. He made his first team debut as an 84th minute substitute for Graham Potter in a 1–0 away defeat to Sheffield United in the League Cup first round on 10 September 2002. Aged 17 years and 173 days, he became the eighth youngest debutant in the York's history.

Yalcin agreed to sign his first professional contract with York in March 2004, for the 2004–05 season. He attracted interest from abroad, training with Antalyaspor and Denizlespor for a period in 2004, and Royal Antwerp were also believed to be ready to give him a trial. He was reported to have joined Darlington on a one-month loan in September 2004, but it was later revealed that the deal, which saw David McGurk join York on loan, was only one way and Yalcin had not moved. He went on to score his first goal for York against Morecambe in October 2004. He had a trial at Yeovil Town in January 2005. He signed a new contract with York in June 2005.