WING wizard Martyn Woolford has signed a new deal with York City that will keep him contracted to the KitKat Crescent club beyond this summer.

The Minstermen have not revealed the length of the contract extension, but it will protect the club from running the risk of losing the highly-rated Woolford for a tribunal-fixed fee next June.

City have seen their two top scorers leave on free transfers at the end of the last two campaigns, with Andy Bishop and Clayton Donaldson joining Bury and Hibernian. Woolford, who turns 22 this month, has previously expressed his desire to play in the Football League next season and Crewe director of football Dario Gradi and Doncaster manager Sean O'Driscoll have both been spotted at recent games.

City manager Billy McEwan is pleased the former Frickley winger has made the commitment to the club, but added he would not stand in his way should an appropriate offer be received for him in the future.

McEwan said: "He's a young player with a lot of potential and we're not daft enough to think clubs will not come along for our players if they are out of contract. We've not received any approaches for him, but he's been doing well and he's been rewarded for the progress he's making.

"The last thing we want to do is sell our best players, but we would never stand in a young player's way either.

"The contract also gives Martyn a bit of security if he picks up a bad injury."

Managing director Jason McGill said: "We are very pleased Martyn has signed an extension to his current contract. He is a talented player we want to develop further and see flourish.

"Martyn has shown a lot of loyalty towards the club and our supporters. We are all delighted he will be continuing to play for York beyond the end of the season."

On-loan goalkeeper Stephen Henderson, meanwhile, has returned to Bristol City after a month with the Minstermen.

The Republic of Ireland Under-21 international is required back at Ashton Gate with Adriano Basso's understudy, Chris Weale, needing a wrist operation.

McEwan confirmed he will be looking for another goalkeeper ahead of Saturday's home match with Histon, but any newcomer is only likely to make the bench with last season's number one choice Tom Evans in line for a recall.

The City boss said: "Tom will come into the frame for the weekend. He's had a good rest, which won't have done him any harm.

"He's looked sharp in training and he's been given a chance to sit and look at the game from afar. He's been out of the fire and he will be a better 'keeper for it."