Outcast goalkeeper Andy Warrington claimed York City had 'done him a favour' in ending his boo-laced career at Bootham Crescent.

Andy Warrington

Warrington was one of the first players released by new manager Neil Thompson in the wake of City's relegation to Division Three.

The 22-year-old 'keeper - viewed by many as a talented prospect - added he had been 'crucified' by the constant barracking of 'a small minority' of City fans, which had helped to drive him out.

He insisted he had no grudge against the club, but added he was determined to rebuild his career and prove his critics wrong.

Several clubs are currently tracking the Sheffield-born shot-stopper, who, before his broken hand ended his second spell in goal last season, was also being monitored by Premiership scouts.

Said Warrington: "The fans pay their money and they are entitled to have a go, through sometimes I felt it was not justified.

"Yes, I made mistakes, but everybody makes them. I just happened to get crucified for it.

"I think it was only a small minority of fans, but while you try not to let it bother you, it does affect the way you play. I was going into games and wondering 'what have I got to do'?"

Warrington, who made 76 appearances since his dream debut against Manchester United four years ago, ventured his release would provide the right spur.

"While you don't feel like it at the time you are being told, this will probably work the best for both parties," said Warrington, who was also heartened by the new City manager's parting shot that he believed the outgoing 'keeper would go on to have a successful career.

"I am not leaving with a chip on my shoulder or under a black cloud. I respect the club's decision. It's done me a favour.

"The club have been straight with me and I thank them for what they have done for me. I got on with the previous gaffer (Alan Little) and also with the new one.

"As soon as they told me I was disappointed, but there's no point moping around. This part of my career is over and I am going on.

"It would be nice to come back to prove a few people wrong, because I believe I could have done it with a bit more faith."

Warrington declared he would always be grateful to the Minstermen for giving him his start, which included a dramatic baptism in the Coca-Cola Cup against star-studded Manchester United at a full-house Bootham Crescent in 1995.

That match, plus the two collisions in the same competition in the win over Everton the following year, were the young 'keeper's highlights.

"Whatever happens no-one can ever take that away from me. City gave me my debut against Manchester United when they could have maybe got someone else in. I will never forget that."

Thompson pledges positive reaction

Relegated York City are under a duty to try to get the club out of Division Three as soon as possible.

That is the verdict of Neil Thompson as he surveys his first week in office since being appointed as City's full-time manager.

Said Thompson: "The players have an obligation to themselves, the club and the fans to give it their best shot. There will be no passengers here." And as he looked back on the last day's fall at Manchester City he added: "You take the highs and the plaudits when you do well. You've also got to face the music and take it on the chin."

While he was re-shaping the City squad to prepare for the more robust nature of the basement, Thompson insisted City would not abandon playing bright football.

"I won't stop anyone playing in the right areas and expressing themselves," he said.

"The players know where I am coming from and I will expect standards. They have got to aspire to them. I believe if you do things right you have got a chance. I am expecting a particular reaction, because we have got to be positive."

Asked what the City faithful can expect from his brand of York City, Thompson was unequivocal.

"I think they have seen what to expect, it's what we deliver. None of us are happy about going down, but that's the real world now. They will get 100 percent commitment from myself and staff, and the players will be committed to what we are doing."

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