SAM Fielding has been offered a new deal at York City, but fellow teenagers Tyler Walton and Alex Bruton have been released.

All three players made their senior debuts during City’s 2016/17 National League campaign, with Fielding starting former boss Jackie McNamara’s final two games in charge – 1-1 draws against Braintree and FA Cup opponents Curzon Ashton.

Walton, meanwhile, was given a substitute outing by McNamara at Torquay, while Bruton was introduced from the bench under current chief Gary Mills during November’s 3-0 defeat at Bromley.

The versatile Fielding played in his natural midfield role for City’s senior team, but has also impressed when operating as a right-wing back and central defender for the reserves, with Mills saying: “Sam’s someone who can play in two or three positions and, when we played him in defence for the reserves, it reminded me of when we converted Yan (Klukowski).

“He reads the game really well and can pass the ball too. He knows, himself, that he needs to get stronger but, I think, I can see a player in him. We had him training with the senior squad before Wembley and he fitted in very well.

“From what I saw of him last season, I think he deserves the opportunity to be part of things and, if he keeps learning, he can become a very good player, so it’s up to him now. He’s got to work hard and build himself up, because the league we are going into will be no less physical than the one we left, so he’ll need to be strong, but he’s a confident lad who believes in himself.”

Mills went on to reason that he felt that Walton and Bruton would only spend another season on the fringes if they stayed at Bootham Crescent and, on their departures, he explained: “I thought about both of them but, with having a small squad, I don’t want too many young players so, if I feel like that, it’s better if they move on to play week in, week out, rather than staying here and not featuring.”