RELEASED midfielder Kevin Donovan could still play for York City next season.

Donovan was named on this week's released list by the Minstermen but manager Billy McEwan has pointed out that the decision was for financial reasons and the door has not been closed on the former Grimsby and West Brom player.

McEwan made Donovan his captain after taking over as manager at KitKat Crescent and is not ruling out a return for the 33-year-old schemer next season.

The City boss said: "There's a chance that he will stay but it would be on reduced pay as the decision to put him on the released list was purely financial."

Donovan has indicated to the Evening Press that he would be willing to accept a drop in wages to continue playing for the Minstermen.

He said: "The manager told me the money would not be brilliant and has sent me away to think about it but I told him I would love to stay to try to put things right for next season so we will have to see what happens."

Donovan added that he feels the club suffered last season from under-estimating the difficulties of gaining promotion from the Conference

He said: "Like everybody at the club, I am disappointed with how the season went. The board took a gamble and it didn't really pay off.

"I think it was a shock going down to the Conference and they probably thought it would be easier to bounce back but you only have to look at previous relegated teams and how long it has taken them. It was there for everybody to see."

Donovan has also predicted a bright career in football - probably away from KitKat Crescent - for Byron Webster, his teenage midfield partner last season.

He said: "Without doubt, Byron's got a bright future. He's 17 and has got plenty of time to improve but he's willing, listens to people and wants to learn. To be honest, he probably won't be with York that long if he carries on how he's progressing."

Quiz kings York City Supporters' retained the David Longhurst Supporters' Challenge trophy for a sixth consecutive year by beating their Scarborough counterparts 214-201 over two legs.

Updated: 10:23 Saturday, April 30, 2005