Fighting to be fit and fighting for a new deal.

That's defender Wayne Hall who today pledged his allegiance to York City.

The veteran full back will be a free agent at the end of the season when his current Bootham Crescent contract runs out.

But while the lure of a lucrative free transfer remains a possibility, Hall is desperate to earn himself a new agreement that will tie him to York for the foreseeable future.

"I have been here a long time I am grateful to the chairman and directors and all the managers who have been here who have given me the chance to play at York for that long," said the 31-year-old.

"Hopefully, and keeping my fingers crossed, it will continue. I have a great affection for the club."

Hall admits his more immediate aim is to work his way back to full fitness in order to show new boss Terry Dolan just what he is capable of.

Since the end of November, he has been in and out of the side blighted by a troublesome heel.

Jabs eased the pain only for the problem to resurface with vengeance in the 3-0 defeat at Northampton earlier this month.

Now Hall has revealed he is to see a specialist again on Tuesday

"It looks as though I will probably have another jab, which is frustrating.

"When a new gaffer comes in you just want to be playing but I cannot go back and not be 100 per cent

"At Northampton I just landed on my toes. It jarred and is too sore to play.

"Hopefully, this jab will flush things away and it will soon be better."

Hall admits he is chomping at the bit to make a swift return to the fray.

"With my contract coming to an end I have got to get fit to show the gaffer what I can do," said Hall.

"With the new gaffer coming in he will have his own ideas on what he wants and who he wants.

"But I don't suppose he can make a decision until he has actually seen me and that is why I have got to get fit and prove I am able to do the job he wants me to do."

In more than a decade of service with City, Hall has become a maxim for dependability and consistency and his desire to remain will be a boon for all connected with the club.

Hall, who kick-starts his testimonial year on Monday night with a sportsman's dinner and is currently sixth in the all-time City appearance records, welcomed manager Dolan's first foray in the transfer market even though the new arrival could block his eventual return to first team action.

As reported in the Evening Press, Mark Bower, a left-sided defender, arrived at Bootham Crescent yesterday on a month's loan from Bradford City.

"The gaffer obviously had a look at it and thought we needed a player there (defence) and fetched somebody in which is good for the team," said Hall.

"As long as the team do well and we get out of the predicament we are in then all well and good. As soon as I am fit I will fight for my place."

New boss Dolan said he was keen that Hall makes a complete recovery before contemplating a return to action.

"I don't want to be putting pressure on the injured players and I want Wayne Hall to make sure he is fully fit before coming back.

"I would never wish to rush players back and therefore make matters worse."

Wayne joins hall of fame - page 22

Places are still available, priced £23 members and £25 for non-members, on the York City Travel Club supporters' coach heading to Plymouth on Saturday.

The coach leaves Bootham Crescent at 7.30am. For more details, telephone James Richardson on 01904 624447.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.