HARROGATE Railway boss Paul Marshall has vowed to stand firm after he was told he would have to reapply for his job at Station View.

Despite having led the Northern Counties East League premier division minnows to a historic appearance in the second round of the FA Cup - with their gutsy 3-1 defeat shown live on Sky - and the President's Cup title, the board decided this week to open up the job to all-comers.

Although the club wouldn't comment on the reasons behind the decision to ask for other applications, it appears Marshall's involvement in the players' much-publicised walk-out has left him with a few enemies on the board.

The players and management went on strike in a row over the bonuses from the FA Cup. Harmony was seemingly restored within a few days.

However, having been backed by the Rail supporters, Marshall, despite his obvious disappointment, has decided to fight for his job.

"I'm disappointed with what has gone on and I find it bizarre that I should have to apply," said Marshall, pictured above left.

"But Mick Gray has phoned me to explain a few things and told me reapply. It seems they couldn't decide what to do. Some of the board wanted me to stay, whereas there were others who weren't happy with what went on.

"It is strange as they either back you, sack you or your resign.

"But a lot of supporters have phoned me up and asked me to reapply. They are behind me so I feel I would be letting them down if I walked away.

"It is the supporters who make the club, not the committee.

"I doubt this is because of football reasons, if it is I don't know what else they could want. This has been the most successful time for the club... we've made history by reaching the second round of the FA Cup, won the first cup since 1997 and have finished fifth last year and tenth this year."

The decision to seek applications for the post was decided at the club's committee meeting on Tuesday.

Club secretary Mick Gray said: "Numerous topics were discussed, one of which was the position of first-team manager and after a full and lengthy discussion it was decided to advertise the position of first-team manager for next season.

"Paul has always been taken on, on a yearly basis, and before every season he has always been given another year.

"This year though it was decided to open the position up to everyone else."

Already names have been linked to the job with Peter Mulcaster (Northallerton Town) and ex-Pickering Town boss Jimmy Reid believed to have been mentioned.

However, although interested in a return to football a year after stepping down as Pikes' chief, Reid has not had any contact with Railway.

"I would be interested in any job that came up," he said. "I've had a year off and enjoyed it and want to get back into it now."

Updated: 11:28 Saturday, May 17, 2003