FAN power has persuaded Billy McEwan to continue as York City manager.

McEwan has committed his long-term future to the Minstermen after meeting the board and, while stressing that the job still represented a tough challenge, he admitted that the club's supporters were a key consideration in his decision to stay at KitKat Crescent.

The former Rotherham and Sheffield United boss has also been told the budget he will be given to sign new players for next season.

About carrying on at KitKat Crescent, McEwan said: "The fans were a big factor. They realise the tough task ahead and their support in a struggling season was very important and the encouragement they gave me was very influential in my decision to stay at York City Football Club.

"There's a lot of work ahead now because there are well-documented problems at the club and success won't be achieved over night. It won't be a short-term fix and there might be more heartache but I am committed to help the club grow again even if it will take a while. I want to play an important part in York City's resurgence and with hard work, professionalism and the right players I know we will all see better times at the club."

Commenting on his playing budget for next season, McEwan added: "It's a tough one and will not be as much as everybody at the club would have liked but I am excited at the prospect of rebuilding the team over the closed season."

In fact, the Scot's search for new blood has already begun. He said: "I'm looking at new players now as I was before the season finished. Players details are also arriving in my office all the time and it's just a case of sorting the wheat from the chaff."

City's managing director Jason McGill expressed the board's pleasure that McEwan has committed himself to the long-term rebuilding process of the Minstermen, saying:

"The board is very pleased Billy McEwan will be continuing his role as manager next season. The team needs a comprehensive rebuilding programme and, although it will take time and lots of hard work, we are confident Billy has the skills and experience to ensure better on-pitch performances can be achieved.

"After the years of upheaval and uncertainty at the club, York City needs stability and a long-term vision."

City's Supporters Trust, owners of the club, also welcomed the news with chairman Richard Snowball saying: "The Supporters' Trust fully support and welcome the continuation of Billy McEwan as York City Manager. He is well respected by the supporters and has the strong leadership skills we require to take this club forward on the pitch."

No details of McEwan's managerial contract have been released by the club.

Updated: 10:37 Friday, April 29, 2005