FORMER York City defender Jon Maloney will play as a centre forward for a University football team in Alabama next season.

Maloney has accepted an all-expenses paid, four-year scholarship in the States and will combine playing football with studying for a PE degree after being recommended by Minstermen supporter Kent Frazer, the parent of another British student at the University.

But the father of last season's on-loan centre back - Ged Maloney - confirmed that his son, who was released by Doncaster Rovers in May, only made the decision when the chances of a move back to KitKat Crescent appeared increasingly remote.

Ged Maloney said: "While it was Jon's top wish to continue his football career at City, after various unsuccessful overtures to the City management team it has become apparent that they don't see any role for Jon within their plans. We have written to both Billy McEwan and Jason McGill and I would be lying if I said we weren't both bitterly disappointed that no suitable opportunity existed for Jon at York City following his three-month loan spell.

"But football is all about opinions and the downside of not being at York is balanced by the opportunity for Jon over in the States. I'd like to thank the fans, players and directors of York City, on behalf of both myself and Jon, for all the fantastic support they gave him and wish everyone at City a successful season in 2005/2006."

Ged Maloney added that his son's wage while at City last season was only £200 a week and stressed that cash considerations would not have been an issue in any permanent transfer.

Maloney was a prolific emergency striker for Doncaster's reserve and youth teams and scored four times in 13 Conference matches as a City defender.

Updated: 12:04 Saturday, July 02, 2005