EXCLUSIVE by Tony Kelly, Chief Sports Writer

Five of York City's stirring FA Youth Cup ranks have netted professional contracts for next season.

That nap hand of talent - all key members of the side that got to the last 16 of the FA Youth Cup - represents half the intake, who were due for release at the end of the current term.

Lee Bullock

Christian Fox

Steven Walters

James Turley

Michael Dibie

Midfielder Lee Bullock and right-back Christian Fox have been offered two-year deals, while midfielder Steve Walters and striker James Turley have been given one-year contracts. Turley's front-line partner Michael Dibie has been awarded a contract for six months.

Bullock has already played in the senior City side in the ill-starred FA Cup tie at Wrexham, while Turley has once featured in the first-team squad.

Said Adie Shaw, City's head of youth development: "After talks between Neil Thompson, myself and Paul Stancliffe we believe these five lads have got a good chance of making it. It wouldn't surprise me if one or two might feature in the first-team before the end of the season.

"I believe Lee Bullock and Christian Fox could go on to become quality players, while the other three have qualities which we believe we can develop.

"They've now got the chance that hundreds of lads dream of. The possibility is there for them."

Shaw conceded the biggest heart-ache was informing five of the youth team that they were being released. Those five are goalkeeper John Mohan, defenders John Urwin and Peter Batchelor, midfielder Michael Farley and striker Thomas Dufton.

"Those lads are nice lads, lads who have helped us have a successful season. We hope they prove us wrong and do go on to make it elsewhere."

While he was sorry to lose those five Shaw said getting as many again through to professional terms was a massive lift and he praised the attitude of the club's powers.

"I've been at other clubs where you get told you can only afford one or two. But there's been full commitment to the youth here from the chairman and the board of directors. It makes mine and Paul Stancliffe's job easier and to get five out of ten is brilliant."

Meanwhile, City toppled Carlisle 2-1 in the Youth Alliance with goals from Bullock and 16-year-old John Fielding to stretch their run to just one defeat out of their last dozen games.

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