YORK City manager Martin Gray will leave it up to Jordan Burrow whether he wants to take the club’s next penalty.

But Gray also admitted that, if Jon Parkin is on the pitch, the former Gateshead forward might struggle to wrestle the ball off the club’s 25-goal top scorer last term.

Parkin’s 2017/18 tally included four converted spot kicks and, although Burrow netted from 12 yards in pre-season, he saw his 14th-minute effort, as the former watched on from the bench, saved by Stockport’s Ben Hinchliffe before the Minstermen went on to secure a 1-0 win.

The City chief stressed that he has a “very open mind” about who assumes the responsibility on the next occasion, arguing the main requirement for any candidate would be self-belief.

Gray did, however, reason that another unsuccessful attempt by Burrow would lead to decisions over who takes future penalties being taken out of his hands.

“It’s all about who is confident on the day, whether that’s Jon Parkin, Sean Newton, Jordan or Joe Tait,” Gray said. “We’ve got many people who want to take penalties and you need that mindset.

“I’m happy to leave it to be decided during the match. I believe Sean Newton was the designated taker last season, but there must have been a conversation at some point between him and Jon and I’ve got a very open mind about it.

“If you’re a forward and you back yourself, then you’re probably the best person for the job but, equally, it’s all about confidence and self-belief on the day. If Jordan missed another one, then the situation changes itself.

“But, if Jon Parkin missed one, he would want the ball again for the next one and you expect that mentality, especially from a forward. I don’t think Jordan would have got the ball off Jon if he was on the pitch.

“Jon would have said ‘it’s my ball” and he’s one of the best I’ve ever seen in that respect.”

A limited edition of the New Frontiers fanzine, meanwhile, will be on sale outside Bootham Crescent at this afternoon’s home match with Alfreton.

It includes an interview with legendary City keeper Graeme Crawford, as well as the recollections of 1960s’ favourite Ted MacDougall.

There’s also a season preview with further features on EPPP and competitive budgets.

The fanzine costs £2 with all proceeds donated to York City South for the benefit of York City.

Copies are also available by post for £2.50 by emailing c_m_forth@hotmail.com for details.