YORK City have announced a benefit year and a game at Bootham Crescent for long-serving defender Dan Parslow.

The club had initially indicated a benefit match would not happen, with Parslow not having fulfilled the required 10 years of unbroken service under Football League criteria.

Parslow, a former Welsh Under-21 international, spent more than 11 years with City, making 383 appearances over two spells before a severe concussion brought an early end to the 2018/19 season.

He ranks 10th on the club's all-time appearances list and is the only player to have won the Billy Fenton Memorial Clubman of the Year award on three separate occasions.

Manager Steve Watson has stressed that Parslow is welcome at the club and can use the facilities to help aid his recovery back to full health and fitness.

His benefit match will be on Wednesday, October 9, and is set to feature players from the 'Wembley Twice in a Week' team of 2012.

Parslow told the club's website: “I am delighted and extremely proud to have been awarded a benefit season by York City Football Club.

"I feel fortunate to have represented the club and community for more than 11 years, and I look forward to sharing my benefit season with all of those who have supported me along the way.

"To have become the 10th all-time appearance holder and be awarded the Billy Fenton Clubman of the Year award three times are accolades that will live long in my memory, whilst never forgetting that unbelievable week in May 2012.

"My recent concussion injury seems to have brought my career to a premature end, but I hope that some good can come out of my unfortunate circumstances. I plan to support the brain injury charity Headway with the full backing and support of the football club.

"I look forward to participating in, and sharing with City fans, all of the events planned during my benefit year.

"The ‘Wembley Twice in a Week’ team are currently putting Wednesday 9th October in their diaries and we are all looking forward to celebrating this amazing achievement again on what promises to be a fantastic night of football at Bootham Crescent.

"Thank you for everyone's support, which has meant so much to me and my family over the past few months.”

He added on Twitter: "Thank you to each and every one of you who’ve got in touch. I’m so excited to share all the events planned with those who have supported me along the way.

"Thank you to York City and I can’t wait to play at Bootham Crescent one last time."

A statement on behalf of the board of directors read: "After a meeting with Daniel and his advisors, the club is delighted to be able to recognise the dedication and professionalism of one of our longest serving and most respected players.

"Daniel Parslow has always represented York City Football Club with distinction, on and off the field, and he is fully deserving of a benefit year.

"He has played in our last five Wembley finals and helped the club win both the FA Trophy and promotion back to the Football League at Wembley during nine memorable days in 2012.

"A benefit match will take place on Wednesday 9th October, 2019 and we would like to encourage all City supporters to show their appreciation for Daniel’s service by backing the events staged in his honour throughout the coming season."