York City manager Gary Mills is hoping out-of-contract midfielder David McDermott will form part of his plans next season.

The Minstermen have yet to agree new terms with McDermott but Mills has told the 5ft 4in 23-year-old that he wants him on board for the 2011/12 campaign provided he can overcome the health problems that have dogged his last two seasons.

McDermott arrived at Bootham Crescent last summer after a bout of ulcerative colitis – best explained as an inflammation of the colon – restricted his progress at previous club Kidderminster.

He was then released by caretaker manager Andy Porter before Mills recalled him on his appointment as City boss.

McDermott was restricted to just eight league starts for the Minstermen though and did not feature in any of the club’s final seven games with Mills adding: “There’s still a chance for David at York City.

“I admired him a long time before I came to York when I was at Tamworth and he was with Walsall.

“He’s been unfortunate in that a couple of injuries and a bit of an illness have set him back a bit.

“He had a bit of a health problem again last season but, when he played for me, he did well.

“He will be coming back in July because I believe the people of York have not seen the best of him yet. “He can play out wide or in the middle of midfield and, although we haven’t agreed personal terms on a contract yet, I know he’s desperate to come back.

“He enjoyed working with myself and (assistant manager) Darron (Gee) and is certainly a player we feel we can get more out of.

“I’m sure we will see a better player if he can come back fully fit.”

Mills remains non-committal, however, on the futures of City’s six other out-of-contract players – Neil Barrett, Levi Mackin, Chris Carruthers, Liam Darville, Leon Constantine and David Knight – the first three all members of the 2010 play-off final side.

The Minstermen chief added: “There’s no change with those players’ situations.

“The players might not be happy with that, but I’m trying to be honest and get the right squad together for next season.”