York eager to keep grip on Brodie after defeat at Wembley

The Minstermen could face a battle to hold on to the 22-year-old forward after failing to win a return to the Football League yesterday as Oxford United triumphed in an entertaining Blue Square Premier League play-off final.

York slipped to a 3-1 defeat at Wembley on an afternoon when Brodie struggled to make much impact.

Despite that, manager Foyle is in no doubt as to just how important the Gateshead-born striker will be next season when York try to win promotion back to the League at the seventh attempt.

He said: "Richard is under contract (for another year) and we are talking about another contract.

"He is a fantastic lad who maybe got a bit overawed at times (yesterday) but he has scored a lot of goals and is a very important player for us."

York's defeat meant an otherwise hugely encouraging season ended on a low but that should not detract from the huge strides taken by the Bootham Crescent club since Foyle took charge late in 2008.

Not only have York played at Wembley twice in a year – Foyle's men losing to Stevenage Borough in the FA Trophy final 12 months ago – they also reached this season's FA Cup third round where they bowed out to Premier League side Stoke.

Foyle is rightly proud of his side's progress, though the Minstermen's manager is also determined to ensure the club keeps going forward.

With that in mind, he is already planning what additions to make to his squad during the summer.

The York chief said: "Financially, we are a mile off Oxford and Luton. We have to make sure we get the right personnel in because we have had a fantastic team spirit this season.

"It has probably helped get us where we have got to. I will bring in one or two good lads during the summer. No bad eggs, that is the key.

"We know we are probably behind Oxford in terms of quality and experience. I am trying to build a side quickly. We have done excellently with good cup runs and getting to the final.

"We need someone who can pinch a goal at the right time and maybe someone with pace.

"It will be harder next year because I know the budgets of Grimsby and Darlington already."

York's fate was sealed in the opening 21 minutes yesterday as poor defending allowed, first, Matt Green and then James Constable to find the net.

A blunder by Oxford goalkeeper Ryan Clarke then handed the White Rose club a route back into the final shortly before half-time and set up an enthralling second half.

The Minstermen pushed hard for an equaliser but could not find a way through before substitute Alfie Potter killed off any hopes of a comeback with Oxford's third goal in stoppage time.

Foyle said: "It was a very deflated changing room afterwards but full credit to Oxford as they started better than us.

"The two early goals gave them a real lift. It was disappointing to concede like we did because we knew Oxford would be under pressure.

"I knew Chris (Wilder, Oxford manager) would send his side out quite direct so we had worked on a few things in training.

"Unfortunately, they caused us a few problems and the second goal gave them a bit of breathing space.

"But, once we had pulled a goal back, I thought the response was great. We had the lion's share of possession but could not capitalise. We didn't really have our shooting boots on from 12 to 14 yards.

"I have told the players not to feel sorry for themselves. I was at Port Vale once when we won one out of the opening 10 games after losing a play-off final the previous season and we have to guard against that.

"The players have to make sure they rest up this summer and come back strong next season."

Foyle's dejection was in stark contrast to the mood of his Oxford counterpart, Wilder. The former Sheffield United full-back, who was in charge of Halifax Town when the Shaymen lost the 2006 play-off final to Hereford United, said: "It is a special feeling to have taken Oxford back into the Football League.

"We were excellent in the first 25 minutes and controlled the game. But then everyone tried to get on the ball and do their own thing, so I was ready to have a pop at half-time.

"I had to change my approach after York had scored because I needed to lift them. York came back well but it is great to have won it.

"York are always tough opponents. They showed that by turning Luton over twice.

"We knew they would not cave in. Martin is a proper football man and I have the utmost admiration for him.

"He has turned the club around and I would imagine they will kick on again next season and be a real force."