York City boss Billy McEwan has accused trialist Danny Ekoku of "chasing money" after signalling his intention to sign for Conference opening day opponents Crawley Town.

McEwan has also called into question Ekoku's honour after the 19-year-old striker had an 11th hour change of mind about signing for the Minstermen.

Ekoku has been on trial with City all summer and figured in each of the pre-season friendlies.

McEwan offered the former Bradford City forward a contract this week but the nephew of former Wimbledon and Nigeria striker Efan Ekoku has decided to return to his London roots instead.

The Minstermen manager said: "I understand he's going to Crawley Town which is a big disappointment to me because I have spent a lot of time with the player over the summer working with him and trying to make him better.

"There was a contract here for him to sign because there was potential, but he's done a turn-around and if he's not an honourable person then I don't want that type of player at York City.

"He thought he wasn't going to start in the team, which he wasn't, because he's a young player.

"Crawley have offered him a lot more than we could offer and I think he's a young lad chasing money but Crawley are part-time so, from a development point of view and a career point of view, I think he's made a rick."

City kick off their Conference campaign at home to Crawley a week on Saturday.

City's Easingwold roadshow - Page 43

Updated: 10:26 Thursday, August 04, 2005