PRIZE guy Darren Dunning faced the facts of football life as an exodus of an entire team departed York City.

In the wake of the Minstermen's relegation to the Conference 11 senior City players have been shown the exit door in the last fortnight.

Dunning, who got his hands on another trophy when he lifted the Evening Press Player of the Year award at our offices yesterday, ventured how such a loss of players was part and parcel of the game reflecting how just a year ago he was in the same uncertain position.

"A few friends have moved on but that's just the way football's going now," Dunning said.

"It happened to me last summer at Blackburn and all the clubs are tightening their belts with smaller squads of 16 and 17. I think there will be a lot of players moving around now."

The midfielder has been the outright success of City's ill-starred campaign. After completing a hat-trick haul at the fans' end-of-season presentations, midfielder Dunning was the clear winner of the Evening Press accolade, finishing 14 points of nearest rival Mark Ovendale.

Points are awarded throughout the season to the top three performers in every City match.

The top man in each game receives a maximum of three points and Dunning, who was signed from Premiership club Blackburn Rovers last summer, managed that feat nine times.

After receiving the award, former Malton schoolboy Dunning said: "As a team, we are all devastated to be relegated but, personally it's been satisfying to have won four Player of the Year awards and my mum and dad were absolutely buzzing when I told them.

"My granny reads the Press every day and if I get a six out of ten, she tells me to do better next week and get a seven.

"The recognition has been pleasing for my parents, brother, family and friends. I'm now going away with my girlfriend on holiday to Cyprus during the break and I will be playing a bit of golf as well."

Richard Hope came third in our standings after a man-of-the-match display in the final game of the season at Swansea and Dunning admitted that the 25-year-old centre back would have won his vote as City's top player in 2003/2004.

He said: "I thought Richard Hope did well. He won most of his headers and was probably one of our most consistent players this season. He's been very steady."

Hope, like Dunning, has agreed to sign a new contract to stay at Bootham Crescent next season.

Final Evening Press player of the year standings: Dunning 42 points, Ovendale 28, Hope 27, Bullock 24, Nogan 22, Wise 18, Cooper 15, Brass 14, Wood 12, Edmondson 11, Merris 11, Ward 11, Smith 10, Newby 7, Bell 6, Davies 6, Parkin 5, Walker 5, George 4, Stewart 2, Yalcin 2, Brackstone 1, Fox 1, Law 1, Offiong 1, Shaw 1, Wilford 1.

Updated: 10:52 Thursday, May 13, 2004