WINNING over the City faithful will be one of the first tasks for Tom Cowan, writes reporter TONY CURTIS

FOOTBALL fans have amazing memories when it comes to players who have sinned against their club.

Whether it was a rash challenge on one of the darlings of the terraces, or a few words through the media belittling the club they love, supporters will never forget.

Once blacklisted by the fans, the guilty player can expect to be taunted every time he plays the same club again, no matter what side he is then at.

So imagine how Tom Cowan will feel when he pulls on the York City shirt for the very first time and steps out to face the Bootham Crescent faithful after joining on a free transfer after a frustrating spell at Cambridge United.

Having been guilty of a crude challenge on Paul Barnes, which saw him shown a red card after only 16 minutes, while playing for Huddersfield on November 5, 1996, he knows there is a good chance he will not be a favourite among some City fans.

However, the 32-year-old Bellshill-born hardman is hoping turn the jeers of six years ago to cheers this season as he looks to play his part in seeing that the Minstermen get promoted.

The former Rangers, Sheffield United, Stoke and Burnley star told the Evening Press: "I've made it up with Paul Barnes since then as we played together at Huddersfield.

"I've told him I think he over-reacted at the time. It was a first year referee who was trying to stamp his authority on the game.

"It was just a trip, but as I went off I got a little pat on the back from Stan' (Paul Stancliffe) as I was at Sheffield United with him.

"All I can give is 100 per cent every time that I go out and play. That wins over most fans, so hopefully it will win over the York City fans.

"I'm aiming high, there is no point aiming low, so it has got to be promotion. If we don't and the future is just mediocre then that is all you'll be."

And promotion is something Cowan believes is just around the corner for the Minstermen.

"Everything is geared to getting promoted here and the chairman has come in with big ideas and plans of a new stadium," he said.

"I was at the last home game of the season against Bristol Rovers. It is a good young team with the right blend of experience."

Cowan could have been in the City side for that match after boss Terry Dolan, his former colleague from the Terriers, swooped to sign him from Cambridge on a three-month loan.

However, in a rare appearance for The U's, Cowan ended up pulling his hamstring just moments after scoring, putting an end to the deal "Terry tried to get me on loan at the end of the season before he got Scott Jones, but I pulled my hamstring in probably my only game for Cambridge that season," he added.

"It was so annoying. I go and score then get injured.

"John Beck was the problem at Cambridge.

"Roy McFarland brought me in and things were going great, but then a few things started going against us.

"John Beck came in towards the end of the season and revolutionised the club, so much so they got relegated last year.

"He said that we wouldn't play the long ball but the right ball. However, it just happened that the right ball was the long ball.

"It was frustrating for me, but I'm glad to now be at York City."