YORK City wing-back David Merris has admitted that he was sweating on his future before being handed a 12-month extension to his contract at Bootham Crescent.

Merris, 23, survived the end-of-season cull by manager Chris Brass that included 11 senior professionals and has now expressed his relief.

Despite making 47 appearance in his first season for the Minstermen, Merris has confessed that he still felt his prospects of staying were in doubt as it became clear that a mass clear-out would be necessary.

He said: "I was absolutely chuffed when the manager said he wanted me to stay as I had been a bit nervous and worried. With quite a few of the lads being told they were going, you wonder whether you're going to be around any more and keep questioning yourself.

"I was still questioning myself when I went into see the manager so when he said they would be extending my contract by 12 months it was a big relief.

"You don't expect that many players to be released. You know it happens at this time of the season but it's still unusual for so many people to go on one day as happened after the Doncaster game."

City's relegation to the Nationwide Conference means Merris will be returning to non-league football just 12 months after arriving at the club from Unibond outfit Harrogate Town.

The Rotherham-born defender is unhappy with that twist of fate but keen to help City regain their Football League status at the first attempt, saying: "It's a little bit disappointing to be returning to non-league football but I am still happy to be at the club for another 12 months. Now we need to get things together and prove next season that we are still worthy of a Third Division place.

"Personally, I want to play as many games as I can like this season. I would not say carry on as I left off because I don't think the last month of the season was my best at the club but if I can start the season in the same manner as I did this one I would be pleased.

"For the club, I think we need a great start again so we can kick on from there. I also think it showed in our last game when the young lads came in for the 0-0 draw at Swansea what can be achieved with a sense of togetherness.

"That kind of team spirit could also be a big factor in the Conference, as will bringing in a few more experienced players."

Merris also believes he will be stronger after his first season of full-time football since being released as an apprentice by Rotherham but agrees with Brass' comments that he could have benefited from a break in first-team duty if the club had carried an adequate left-sided replacement this season.

He said: "I definitely agree with the manager about that. I was really exhausted during the last month and that's possibly when I felt the switch from part-time to full-time most because at Harrogate we only used to train on Tuesday and Thursday nights."

But Merris' form over the whole season was rewarded by supporters group the Harrogate Minstermen, who named him as their Player of the Season and, along with his contract extension, that was a fillip after the disappointment of relegation.

He said: "Since I have been here the fans, especially the Harrogate Minstermen, have treated me like I have been here ages. They have made me feel at home and it was brilliant to win the award."

Updated: 11:01 Wednesday, May 19, 2004