YORK City's newest recruit Jon Parkin is looking forward on all fronts.

Despite the Minstermen's precarious position just one off the bottom of the Football League,

the towering defender insists City are not casting furtive glances over their shoulders.

Speaking to the Evening Press, Parkin, who can also operate in attack, believes City are just a "couple of wins" away from safety and all eyes are focused on what lies above and not below.

And having just put pen to paper on a two year deal following a successful one-month loan spell from Barnsley, Parkin maintains City are on the verge of a bright new dawn - not just off the pitch but on it as well.

"I'm sure there are brighter times ahead. I just want to get a good pre-season under my belt and start looking forward to next year."

Halifax's 1-0 win over Kidderminster in midweek narrowed the gap between City and the relegation trapdoor to nine points, but with Darlington the visitors to Bootham Crescent tomorrow Parkin insists its onwards and upwards for the Minstermen.

"We're not really looking at Halifax, a couple of wins and we should be okay," he said.

Parkin's form and versatility has been a major plus point for City and manager Terry Dolan in recent weeks.

He scored the winning goal in City's 1-0 win over Southend United on his debut but has since played mainly in defence and has impressed with a number of assured and consistent displays.

Updated: 09:04 Friday, March 15, 2002