CRAIG Farrell admits he is desperate for the chance to “pay back” the York City faithful.

The 26-year-old is seeking redemption at Bootham Crescent next season after manager Martin Foyle indicated he could still be part of his Blue Square Premier plans.

Farrell endured a difficult campaign last year, which ended with the former Exeter and Carlisle front-man being farmed out to Oxford United on loan in January.

But having had a half-hour chat with Foyle on his return from the Kassam Stadium, the ex-Press Player of the Year is hoping he will get another chance to prove his worth.

“I am just playing it by ear,” he said.

“I am still contracted for next season and I want to see what happens. I am focused on having a better season for York. I didn’t feel I did myself justice.

“There were difficult circumstances. I wasn’t getting a run in the team and I was a massive part of that.

“I didn’t perform as well as I had (in the past). I want to start afresh in July.

“I spoke to Martin Foyle when I came back. We had a good chat and hopefully I have still got a future. He says I have.

“I came back for the week leading up to the Trophy final and I didn’t know where I stood but we had a good half hour chat and I felt it was quite positive.”

Farrell says he has been galvanised by his spell at Oxford, where he made 15 appearances and scored twice. But reflecting on a poor York campaign, he said he only had himself to blame.

“I really enjoyed it at Oxford. I joined the team when they were on a good run which carried on until the end of the season,” he said.

“If it wasn’t for the five points that were deducted we would have been in the play-offs,” he said.

“In pre-season (at York) I thought I did well. I was playing in my right position – in a 4-4-2. Then we lost Martyn Woolford and we went to a 4-5-1 and we played a lot of defensive games where we weren’t conceding but also not scoring.

“I was in and out of the team and playing out of position. I got an injury and got back in when the gaffer had his first game at Salisbury but against Grays I had a nightmare and didn’t get another look in.

“I felt I did well in my first year at York and I was limited through injury in my second.

“I need massive payback (for the fans). I don’t like leaving clubs as a failure and I didn’t do myself justice. The fans don’t think I did and that’s understandable. I owe them some payback.”

Farrell heaped praise on new Minstermen recruit Craig Nelthorpe, who he played with at Oxford, and reckons Foyle’s post-season signings are laying the basis for a much better year for York in Blue Square Premier.

And he wants to be a part of it.

Farrell said: “Nelthorpe is a very positive signing. He could be a massive player for us. He’s an out and out winger.

“He’s only a young lad and he is quick and direct, with a lovely left foot.

“He’s also a good lad to have around the dressing room. I know Andy Ferrell and have played against him.

“It looks like we are getting balance. We have got a solid back four and if Ben Purkiss signs again, and I think he is the best right back in the league, then it is looking good.

“They all look like positive signings but, in my case, we will have to wait and see what happens in July and if any circumstances have changed.

“If the chat I have had is what is going to happen then it is going to be a positive year – but it is all on my shoulders.”


Simon Rusk

YORK City midfielder Simon Rusk, whose last game was the FA Trophy Final, has joined Blue Square Premier rivals Crawley Town.