York City's board will do all they can to keep manager Billy McEwan at the club.

Despite Tuesday's shattering 6-0 humiliation at Carlisle United the Minstermen's managing director Jason McGill believes McEwan is the man to halt City's spiral down the football ladder.

The former Sheffield United and Rotherham boss said after the Brunton Park nightmare that he could walk away from the club at the end of the season but will continue to battle for every point in their remaining three Nationwide Conference fixtures starting with Dagenham & Redbridge at KitKat Crescent on Saturday.

Rumours have also been circulating that League Two clubs would be interested in his services.

McGill today offered his full backing to McEwan who became City's third manager of the season on February 10 when he took over from caretaker-boss Viv Busby.

"The defeat at Carlisle was devastating for everyone, but the key issue is that York City is now mathematically safe and will continue to play in the Conference," said McGill.

"We have to be optimistic and now look towards next season and a programme of rebuilding to improve our league position.

"Billy McEwan is undoubtedly the right person to take this club forward and turn around playing performances. "He has achieved the aim of security this season and the board sincerely hopes he will continue his good work at York City Football Club.

"We will be giving him all the support and backing we can to build the team he feels can improve our situation. We are not looking for a quick fix and realise Billy will require time to turn things around.

"It is a challenge, but it is also an exciting time and an opportunity to mould a team which will hopefully bring York City the success our supporters deserve.

"We are a big club and with the prospect of a new stadium and Billy McEwan at the helm, I believe we can turn this corner and there will be better days for York City.

"I assure our supporters, the board will do all we can to ensure Billy McEwan continues his role as manager."

Fans have echoed the support of the board.

York Minstermen member David Potter said: "As a fans' group we would urge him to stay and get on with the job he's started.

"He was a guest at our meeting a few days after he joined and was talking about a bright future for the club and he inspired us with his plans.

"He spoke with so much determination it seems strange that he would consider walking away and turning his back on us so quickly.

"But what he said really highlights the massive size of the job."

Stephen Gartside of Harrogate Minstermen said: "Tuesday's result has obviously hurt him badly but I would hope they were just heat of the moment comments.

"He admitted to us it was a massive and long-term job but we got the impression he was up for the challenge.

"I would be very disappointed if he was to leave. The club needs stability and continuity more than anything."

Updated: 10:53 Thursday, April 14, 2005