David's dja-vu

It comes just a year after he was also bombed out by Oldham and has left the striker nursing a dreaded sense of dja-vu.

"It did come as a surprise," said McNiven, who turned 23 just two days ago.

"Seeing as I was top scorer at the club I thought that would have given me a better chance so I am disappointed.

"I have been involved in nearly every game this season. The last couple of months didn't go that well but it wasn't as if I had a real run in the team.

"When I did I scored nine in 14 games, which speaks for itself."

McNiven admitted he was also miffed at the timing of the announcement.

"If I had been told sooner I could have started putting feelers out earlier.

"As it is, I haven't got anything lined up. I have a had a few sniffs from a couple of clubs but that is it.

"At least I have got ten goals on my CV to show people but it is just a very quiet couple of weeks so I am just crossing my fingers that I will get a move."

City's decision leaves McNiven in exactly the same position as he found himself last summer when he was released by Oldham.

Then, he came to City on trial and impressed manager Terry Dolan enough to earn a one-year deal.

Although he scored nine goals before Christmas, McNiven bagged just one after New Year putting his Bootham Crescent future in doubt.

Manager Dolan admitted the fact that Barry Conlon looks set to return to City after his move to Colchester fell through had played a part in his decision.

It leaves the City chief with five strikers - Peter Duffield, Colin Alcide, Alex Mathie, Scott Emmerson and Conlon - on his books with Lee Nogan also currently weighing up the offer of a new contract at a time when he is trying to trim his squad.

But that is scant consolation to McNiven, who said: "I was in front of Barry when I was in the team and scoring goals, so I don't see how him coming back makes much of a difference.

"I suppose he will be on higher wages than me but it is all a bit disappointing."

Updated: 11:26 Tuesday, May 29, 2001