Born in Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, Staniforth attended Greatfield High School. He began his career as an apprentice with Hull City and he signed a professional contract with the club in April 1974. He made his first team debut in a 1–0 defeat to Swindon Town on 15 April. He joined York City on a one-month loan in December 1976, making his debut in a 3–2 defeat at Sheffield Wednesday on 27 December. He signed for York permanently in January 1977 for a fee of £7,500. He scored 33 times in 128 league games, also becoming Clubman of the Year in consecutive seasons, the first player to ever do so.