York City’s board back manager Martin Foyle's plans to strengthen squad

Despite losing Sunday’s Blue Square Premier play-off final 3-1 to Oxford United, McGill believes the club’s Wembley appearance should rake in £200,000.

That windfall will ensure that City can carry on running a competitive budget next season in their attempts to gain promotion to the Football League.

McGill said: “The play-offs and our trip to Wembley have been of financial benefit to the club. We won’t have final figures at this stage, but we hope to accumulate £200,000.

“We will be investing in the squad, as we did last season, and have already encouraged key members of the team to sign new contracts. New players will also be joining the club in the close season to strengthen and bolster our chances of success.

“Through all the disappointment, the message to our fans, who were tremendous throughout the campaign, is we will be trying our hardest to go one step better next season and promotion to the Football League remains our principal aim and focus.

“Thank you to everyone who supported us at Wembley and for all the messages of encouragement the club has received.”

McGill added that Sunday’s setback should not tarnish the team’s efforts over the season, pointing out that Foyle has performed “brilliantly” to revive the club’s fortunes.

He said: “Everyone at the club is bitterly disappointed following our defeat in the play-off final. However, we are very proud of the team’s achievements this season and have to give full credit to our manager for the way he has transformed the team so brilliantly in only 12 months.”

The directors’ attention will now switch to matters off the pitch, where the community stadium project remains a pressing concern.

“While Martin Foyle is busy with his preparations for next season, the board will be working hard in the pursuit and realisation of a community stadium for the city of York, to ensure long term survival and prosperity for the club,” McGill added.