York City skipper Steve Agnew has scotched speculation suggesting the Minstermen have not got the stomach for a relegation dog-fight.

City are poised for another six-point battle tomorrow when bottom-club Exeter City are the visitors to Bootham Crescent.

After a harrowing run of form, fan fear is mounting that those players in particular whose contracts are up at the end of the season are indifferent to the club's current plight.

But Agnew, who is one of those whose future is in doubt, today moved quickly to dismiss the suggestion and insisted a player's professional pride was a decisive factor.

"There is no way that I want that to happen for the club or for me as an individual. Nor do the rest of the players," the veteran midfielder said.

"Being a professional footballer, especially for as long as I have, you are determined it doesn't happen.

"I am sure the rest of the lads are thinking along the same lines because no one wants to look back on their footballing CV and see that."

Agnew admitted his only other relegation battle came during his Sunderland days when the Black Cats were bombed out of the Premiership in 1997.

And while that was galling for the 35-year-old, Agnew admits relegation to the Conference would be an even more painful experience.

"The only relegation battle I was in was when Sunderland went down from the Premier League but I was injured towards the back end of the season," he explained.

"Relegation now would be a lot worse. I'd been involved for the majority of the season at Sunderland but when it came to the crunch I was out injured so I didn't actually play in it.

"That was more frustrating than playing. At least I know I am involved and a part of this and I can hopefully help the team get out of the situation that we are in."

Agnew conceded tomorrow's clash with the Grecians is a "massive game".

But he believes a win tomorrow - it would be the Minstermen's first of 2001 - could be even more important psychologically than the three points.

Updated: 10:45 Friday, February 16, 2001