Garry Atkins should be given the chance to spearhead York Wasps' revival next season, says blockbusting prop Steve Hill.

Hill claims caretaker coach Atkins should not be made the scapegoat for the team's poor performances this year and wants to see him appointed on a more permanent basis.

Speaking after yesterday's 50-12 hammering by Swinton, Hill said: "It is Garry I feel sorry for. He's putting his heart and soul into the job and the players are not reacting.

"It's been a hard season and we've had problems on and off the pitch.

"You can only say that we have under-achieved. There's got to be some major investment in the club, but I think Garry's doing a good job and I hope they stick with him next season."

Hill has had an outstanding season and gave another awesome display at Gigg Lane. But he admitted that the team's lack of success soured his personal achievements.

"I'm a lot happier when the team is playing well. It's always nice to play well as an individual but it's better to be part of a winning team.

"I thought when Garry took over we had turned the corner. We had two good wins on the trot then a close game at Workington.

"But unfortunately losing's a habit the same way that winning is a habit," said Hill, who is hoping to stay with York next term.

The 23-year-old revealed he has been approached by two other Northern Ford Premiership clubs but is waiting to discuss terms with York before making a decision.

Retaining Hill will no doubt be a major priority for the Wasps. Hill and fellow front rower Rich Hayes' performances yesterday were described as "phenomenal" by Atkins.

The Wasps' disgruntled coach said: "Before the game I said that our forwards needed to win the battle which they did, but the backs didn't capitalise.

"Simon Irving is a solid defender and Darren Callaghan tried his heart out but the runners weren't there for him. It's frustrating and annoying.

"Some of the players have to take a long hard look at themselves because they won't be here next year and if they play like that then who else is going to want them?"

Atkins admitted he expected Swinton to run up an even bigger score after they went 12-0 up just 10 minutes into the game.

But he was pleased with the way York hung in and restored some pride at the end of the first half only to let it slip away.

"They came back out and made two really dumb errors. It was amateur football," said Atkins.

He is expecting Friday's final match of the season against bottom club Lancashire Lynx to be a tough encounter and will make a couple of changes.

Young utility back Matt Mulholland will return to the side after being left out yesterday, while Heworth's Dan Briggs is expected to make his debut.

Atkins said: It will be good for some of the young lads to have a taste of professional rugby because they're the future of the club. Some of them here are only going through the motions and they are not the future.

"It really guts me because I have so much so much pride in the York shirt and they don't"

Chris Hammerton is the biggest doubt after spraining his ankle yesterday, while Alan Pallister (neck) and Andy Hill (bruised ankle) are expected to be fit.