Annoyed manager Alan Little today declared that York City would not be 'bullied' by players' demands.

Little was responding to the claim by player-of-the-year Steve Bushell that he was set to quit the Minstermen over a wrangle over cash for his car.

Bushell told the Evening Press that he would have signed a new three-year deal with City had the club also increased his money to replace his car, which was involved in a smash before the ends of last season.

Currently in talks with at least three other Second Division clubs - Blackpool, Northampton and Walsall - it now looks certain that Bushell's ten-year link at Bootham Crescent has been severed.

But City boss Little countered Bushell's claims strongly, labelling the player 'nave' and also revealing that the contract offered to the midfielder at Christmas was for a total of £140,000 over three years.

Another part of the package was that Bushell should 're-locate' to York from his home in his native Manchester.

Said Little: "With that sort of money between Christmas and now he could have paid for a car twice over.

"He was offered a package of £140,000 over three years, plus bonus money and the possibility of a testimonial at the end of the three years. If he cannot afford a new car on that sort of wage then..."

The City manager insisted the 'car' issue was a diversion and should not have come into Bushell's thinking when mulling over the new deal, which had been on the table since before the turn of the year.

"Those figures were presented to him at Christmas because he is a good player and because we value him. We felt it was right then for Steve Bushell because of the quality player he is for York City.

"He went on to complete an exceptional season finishing as player of the year," said Little.

"But I think the boy has been nave. The car should not be an issue. I don't see any other employer or business giving a car to a player after he has had an accident.

"We have offered Steve a tremendous contract. But we will not be bullied and we will not be put under pressure from players who feel they don't earn enough.

"We have done the best we can by Steve, whom I have known for ten years now and really like as a player and a character. I'm just sorry that it looks like it's going to end this way."

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