Stand-in York City captain Steve Bushell is poised to commit himself to York City into the next century.

A new, improved contract has been on offer to the dynamic midfielder since just before Christmas, but as yet he has not inked the three-year deal.

With this season's transfer deadline just over three days away and Bushell out of contract in the summer a fear has permeated the Bootham Crescent club that the 25-year-old midfield bustler may be lost to the Minstermen next term.

Under the Bosman ruling Bushell would be able to leave without City being entitled to a single penny in any fee for him.

Some fans are still reeling to the news that winger Paul Stephenson has moved on to Third Division Hartlepool United.

But the Manchester-born Bushell confirmed exclusively to the Evening Press that there was no problem with the new contract currently available to him.

He added that he would be staying put at City and that he would sign once a few 'personal' points were ironed out.

Said the midfielder, who was also thrilled by captaining the City side for the first time in a home match during Saturday's 1-0 defeat by Fulham: "I will be signing the contract. There's no problem about that. The contract is still there ready to sign and there's no worries about it on that score.

"I've just got a few things to sort, but I'm not going anywhere. Anyway, no-one would have me."

Asked about the transfer deadline which expires on Thursday afternoon, Bushell added: "The deadline can come and go for me as far as I am concerned.

"I am not going anywhere. There's no chance of that."

Bushell's commitment to the club he first joined as a teenager from his native Manchester is a major fillip to the club and to fans, some of whom have been irked by the recent departure of Stephenson to Hartlepool.

Since making his City debut eight seasons ago Bushell has racked up more than 200 senior appearances and has blossomed into a key first-team player.

Presently he is enjoying some of his best form, a consistency recognised when the handing-over of the armband for him to wear in skipper Tony Barras' absence against Fulham.

"I thought maybe Andy Mac (Andy McMillan) would get it. But I was given the armband and it was a great thrill. I never thought I would lead the side out at Bootham Crescent," said Bushell, whose only previous experience of captaincy was in the Auto Windscreens Shield tie at Blackpool in January.

"I only wish we had managed to win. I don't think we deserved to get beat. We looked like the only team who wanted to make a game of it but we got punished for an error. It's like another kick in the teeth."

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.