Rewind Extra

Rewind Extra: John Ward releases experienced trio while promising ‘proven goalscorer’

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Back to the headlines of May 1992, as manager John Ward announces his retained list while handing free transfers to three of his most experienced performers.

Former skipper Shaun Reid is amongst a trio of first-team players shown the door by York City after reaching the end of his current deal.

Manager John Ward had previously agreed a £10,000 fee with Rochdale, until the midfielder broke his leg in two places. He’s now available for nothing in order to achieve an ‘early conclusion’.

Marco Gabbiadini’s recent move to Crystal Palace has generated welcome funds

Goalkeeper Chris Marples and left-back Phil Crosby are similarly leaving the club despite each having a year remaining on their existing contracts.

Ward is keen to create additional space for new signings, although striker Ian Blackstone has been offered new terms.

Young winger Andy Curtis is another departing Bootham Crescent.

That leaves Dean Kiely, Andy McMillan, Wayne Hall, Steve Bushell, Paul Stancliffe, Steve Tutill, Ray Warburton, Paul Atkin, Nigel Pepper, Tony Barratt, Jon McCarthy, Glenn Naylor, Darren Tilley, Ian Blackstone and Tony Canham still at the club for next season.

Meanwhile, a proven goalscorer remains the City supremo’s primary target going forward, with additional funds available following the recent transfer of former marksman Marco Gabbiadini from Sunderland to Crystal Palace.

“We needed a proven scorer on the day I arrived at the club last November and that is still the case,” Ward admitted to The Press. “I will be talking to a number of clubs during the close season and signing a newcomer which will help to excite our supporters.”

Ward witnessed his side failing to win any of their final five games last season while losing to Barnet, Burnley Scarborough and Wrexham.

Indeed their total of eight league wins was a record low, with Blackstone finishing as top scorer on just eleven goals in all competitions – seven of which arrived over the final two months of the campaign.

Rewind Extra – May 1992

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