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.

Updated: 10:33 Thursday, April 14, 2005