FORMER York City manager John Ward has admitted that a victory for his Bristol Rovers team today would be “tarnished” by the knowledge that it could push his old club into further relegation trouble.

But the 61-year-old Pirates boss’ desire for maximum points this afternoon will not be compromised for a variety of factors.

Ward’s primary reason is to preserve the integrity of the game, having issued a promise to City that he will also adopt the same professional approach in the remainder of his side’s games between now and the end of the season.

The Lincoln-born chief, whose first job in management was in charge of the Minstermen from 1991 to 1993, has also set his team a target of finishing in the top half of the table and, despite passing the 50-point mark widely acknowledged as guaranteeing safety, still wants to be mathematically certain of League football next season.

As manager of Cheltenham in 2004, Ward oversaw a 2-0 victory at Bootham Crescent which, with five fixtures left to play, served as a significant blow in the club’s unsuccessful battle against the League Two drop back then.

City have one more fixture left to play this time around but Ward admitted: “Knowing a win could put my old club in more trouble would tarnish the victory – absolutely – because I hold York City very dear.

“They were the first club to give me a chance to do what I am still doing all these years later and, when I left to manage Bristol Rovers for the first time, I was also invited to the play-off final that season which I thought was great credit to the club. I was very grateful and little gestures like that are not easily forgotten.

“I was delighted when they got back into the League and, hopefully, we won’t have contributed to the club going back down at the end of the season. But I have got to be as professional as I can.

“I have to win games for Bristol Rovers and I am sure Nigel (Worthington) and everyone at the club understands that. After the game, whatever the scoreline, I will then wish the club all the best and be hoping we meet again next season.”

A run of ten wins from Ward’s 17 games in charge of Rovers has seen the club rise from the relegation zone to a comfortable mid-table berth since Christmas but, elaborating on the incentives for his team this afternoon, Ward said: “I want to finish in the top half and that would be a fantastic effort considering where we have come from.

“We also have a huge responsibility to other teams and I take that very seriously. We still have to play Torquay and Wimbledon as well and I will be putting as strong a team out against Torquay on the last day of the season, as I will be doing against York.

“I’ve been asked whether I will give some of the young lads a game now, but I don’t give games away – they have to earn that chance.”

With City having been dragged into the mire following a run of 15 games without a victory, Ward also refuses to accept his own team are safe yet, adding: “Football tends not to surprise me any more.

“People have told me that we can’t be caught but I’m not prepared to accept that and I’ve got to make sure it doesn’t happen. York can also go on and win their last five games after playing us – all these things are possible.”

When asked how he reversed Rovers’ fortunes in a manner that has so far eluded Worthington, Ward pointed out that the timing of his appointment played a major part, explaining: “Contrary to what Nigel has had, I had 24 games left and a transfer window in January when I was able to bring in some good, senior players.

“I looked at the spine of the team and, by pulling in a few favours, got a goalkeeper Steve Mildenhall, a centre-back Mark McChrystal and a midfielder John O’Toole and their experience has really helped. Nigel has not really had that time although he has used his contacts to bring in some good players during the last few weeks and I think the club have done really well to get someone of Nigel’s experience in.”

On the challenge he expects from Worthington’s City team, Ward added: “They have only lost six away games, which is actually a very, very good record. That will form part of my team talk to make it clear to my players that they’re not in for a comfortable afternoon.

“I am also always wary of a wounded animal. I’ve been there myself and know it can only take one moment to lift all the anxiety away.”