JON Parkin turned down “much bigger contracts” to stay in the National League before committing his future to relegated York City.

The Minstermen’s 15-goal top scorer has agreed a one-year deal to play in the National League North next term and manager Gary Mills is now hoping his decision will persuade others on his retained list to put pen to paper too before Sunday’s FA Trophy final against Macclesfield.

Parkin, who turns 36 in December, rattled in 11 goals during City’s last 13 league games and Mills is “delighted” to retain his services for another 12 months.

The City chief said: “Jon had a chance to stay in the National League on a lot more money, but turning that down shows the magnitude of the man, because I’m not talking about a £5 difference. He could have got a much bigger contract than we have given him, but he enjoyed his football and being here and wants to put right what happened this season, which is the type of character we need going forward.

“When I signed him, he told me he’d never been relegated and didn’t intend to make this season the first time, so what’s happened hurt him, as it did us all and, if I can keep the majority of this group together, I think we can carry on the spirit and togetherness we’ve had for the last five months.”

On the possible, positive knock-on effect surrounding Parkin’s decision to stay, Mills added: “There were a group of players who, straight from the off after we were relegated, expressed a desire to stay and get us back up.

“We need those players to be able to do that and there’s not many better around as a footballer and a man than Jon as far as I’m concerned, so I’m delighted to have him here for next season. Hopefully, players will have seen Jon sign and will now follow suit, because I want the majority of the group we had from January to stay and we’re looking to sort out the contracts to do that.

“It’s always difficult to be the first one but I think Jon being that man is a great statement for us moving forward and I’d like to get more sorted before Wembley, because it’s also important for players to know where they’ll be next season.”

Following Halifax’s 2-1 National North play-off final victory over Chorley on Saturday, Mills also went on to stress that the Shaymen, who lifted last season’s FA Trophy after being relegated, offer encouragement for City as they look to prevail at Wembley before responding in similar fashion during 2017/18.

“I was pleased for them and their manager Billy Heath, who I speak to a lot,” Mills said of Halifax’s victory. “They’re a big club themselves and have bounced back straight away, which others like Stockport have found difficult to do.

“They went to the Trophy final and won it and, hopefully, we can go and do the same now and get back up at the first time of asking.”

The Minstermen’s 21 opponents for next season have now been confirmed, meanwhile, with Gloucester City having switched to the National League South.

They will be Alfreton, Blyth Spartans, Boston United, Brackley Town, Bradford Park Avenue, Chorley, Curzon Ashton, Darlington, FC United of Manchester, Gainsborough Trinity, Harrogate Town, Kidderminster, Leamington, North Ferriby, Nuneaton, Salford, Southport, Spennymoor, Stockport, Tamworth and Telford.