GARY Mills wants to keep Jon Parkin at York City if he is manager next season, along with 75 per cent of his current squad.

The 35-year-old forward has netted 19 goals this season, having netted four times for Newport prior to his December switch to North Yorkshire.

He would now be wanted by Mills in any National League North promotion bid overseen by the former European Cup winner in 2017/18.

The Minstermen chief would also be hopeful of retaining the services of the majority of a squad, whose efforts during the current calendar year translated to top-ten form at National League level.

On Parkin and others he would want on a potential retained list, Mills said: “Jon is a credit to himself, plays with a smile on his face and does not complicate the game.

“He’s a great character and, for us to bounce back next season, we’ll need the likes of Jon Parkin and a few more that have done so well. I think a lot of clubs will be looking at our good players and saying that they can get them away from here but, if I’m being honest, I think they want to stay, because they are hurt and they will want to put things right and have another whole season together.

“If I can keep 75 per cent of this squad going into next season, then I want to.”