THE new season has not yet begun, yet York City already manage to find themselves in confrontation with two members of staff.

First, manager Billy McEwan berates promising young goalkeeper Dave Stockdale in the media for being too cash conscious.

A young player shouldn't be thinking about money, McEwan argues. Stockdale should be grateful that he is being offered a contract at all, accept it unquestioningly and with due gratitude, and just think about the honour of being a professional footballer.

Yeah, right. And not wonder whether York City aren't just trying to get players on the cheap.

It is always annoying when someone gives back word, and McEwan may be justifiably irritated by Greg Heald's about turn. What concerns me, however, is that badmouthing former employees seems to be occurring with monotonous regularity at York City.

Since the Trust took over, City have got through three managers, definitely falling out with Terry Dolan and Viv Busby, and if rumours are correct, hardly calling time on Chris Brass's reign without rancour.

The club's apparent need to disparage ex-players is even worse.

Not for City the courteous and diplomatic, "Thanks for your efforts, sorry things didn't work out, but all the best for the future". Oh no. It's as if City feel the need to send players on their way with a flea in their ears.

I am assured that within football reputation is everything. That being the case, then with their current attitude to former employees, the reputation of York City must be at an all-time low.

It can hardly do much for morale within the club, as all current employees will inevitably be former employees at some point and what will York City have to say about them then?

That a rookie goalkeeper and an ageing journeyman pro refuse to commit themselves to the York City cause, probably tells you everything you need to know about the club's current standing in the game.

Stephen Dalby,

Irwin Avenue,

York.

Updated: 11:12 Friday, July 15, 2005