FORMER City striker Michael Rankine insists Gary Mills must stay at the club and lead the Minstermen back to the National League top-flight.

As reported in the Press, Mills has agreed to a deal ‘in principle’ to continue managing the side in National North next season following the club’s relegation last weekend.

However, nothing has been rubber-stamped ,with Mills’ representatives, the League Managers’ Association, currently sifting through that new contract offer and declining to comment further on the matter at this time.

Rankine, who played under Mills at City, Alfreton and Gateshead, believes that his old gaffer is the ideal man to help the club bounce straight back up – especially after their strong second half to the 2016/17 campaign.

The 32-year-old said: “I think Gary is the only man to get them back up next season. With his knowledge and experience, he’s the only candidate for me.

“Gary came back to the club and showed his pedigree yet again. He took on an impossible task – he had to get rid of a lot of players and bring a fair few in, and he nearly pulled it off at the end.

“For York City, the fans and the chairman, they need that stability. They need someone who cares about the club and I know how much Gary loves York.

“I wouldn’t change anything and if Gary wants to stay I’d bite his hand off.

“I’m not sure what’s going on behind the scenes, but they’ve got to stick with Gary. He’s got knowledge of this league and the one below, and he plays football in the right way.

“The fact they’re staying full-time means they need a manager with that pedigree, who can attract decent players.”

Ironically, Rankine was in the starting line-up for a Guiseley side who effectively sent the Minstermen down at the weekend. A late goal from the Lions’ Danny Lowe proved to be the only difference between National League and National North for City.

“It really was mixed emotions because as everyone knows I’ve got a lot of love for York City,” Rankine continued. “It was probably the most I’ve enjoyed my football when I was at the club.

“And I’ve been at a couple of clubs with Gary, so to see that happen to him wasn’t great.

“Obviously, on a personal note, I didn’t want the relegation on my CV but I just wish it wasn’t York who went down.

“It’s devastating for everyone connected with the club, but they need some structure. They’ve had a few different managers over the last couple of years and it just hasn’t come off for them.

“They’re brilliant, loyal fans there – they were great with me, and it must be especially heart-breaking for them after being relegated from League Two the year before.

“I texted the gaffer (Gary) a couple of days after the relegation. I didn’t want to get in contact too soon because I knew it would be a bit raw.

“I told him I was gutted they’d gone down and said I knew he could get them back up straight away. I hope he does.”