BARNSLEY skipper Neil Redfearn has revealed he will not be asking for a summer move from Oakwell despite the club's relegation and the fact that he could stay in the Premiership with another club. Redfearn admitted after the 1-0 defeat at Leicester which condemned the Tykes to First Division football next season that he would love to remain in the top flight. But the 32-year-old, who would probably fetch around £1.5m given his incredible goalscoring record from midfield, still has a further two years on his contract and isn't set to hammer down manager Danny Wilson's door and ask to be placed on the transfer market. "I am under contract at Barnsley and if nothing occurs then I am happy to stay," confirmed Redfearn, who for the second successive season tops the club's scoring charts. If something should happen then there's not a lot I can do about it but, on the other hand, I have enjoyed my time here. I will stay here for as long as I possibly can, for the rest of my career if necessary, and I would love to take Barnsley back into the Premiership." Redfearn has also built up a remarkable rapport with the fans after seven seasons at a club where he has made almost 300 league appearances, but won't let sentiment stand in his way should a big-money move come along. He said: "I've got a great relationship with the fans and that tugs at my heartstrings. I'm a Yorkshire lad, I'm one of them. But I'm also a professional and I've got a family, just like they have, and I've got to make sure they are all right. I've got to consider things the same as everybody else. There isn't a player in the dressing room who wouldn't do the same. But I am still a Barnsley player and while that is still the case, I can assure those fans that I will give everything for Barnsley. I will not be asking to leave." In another bizarre outbreak of loyalty in the world of professional football, Steve McMahon has revealed that his players talked him out of resigning as Swindon manager. The former Liverpool and England midfielder, who saw Town crash from the top of the First Division to just above the relegation zone in a disastrous run of four wins in 29 matches and get knocked out of the FA Cup by non-league Stevenage Borough, decided to quit the County Ground following a 5-0 defeat at the hands of Norwich two weeks ago. He said: I was really low, but then I started to receive calls from the players - more than a few of them - who were all concerned that I was going to pack it in. I can now go to sleep at night knowing I've got their full backing. It's given me a real lift at the end of what's been a disappointing season.''

LOYAL ROYLE STARTS CITY REVOLUTION   MANCHESTER City have rewarded Joe Royle, the manager who led them into Division Two, with a new three-year contract and ordered him to start a massive clear-out campaign at Maine Road. City, who said farewell to Ajax-bound midfielder Georgi Kinkladze at a friendly match against Jamaica's Reggae Boyz last night, have dumped out-of-contract defender Ian Brightwell and goalkeeper Martyn Margetson and put midfielder Ged Brannan and striker Craig Russell on the transfer list. Royle would like former captain Kit Symons to stay, but on a reduced wage deal, and the Welsh international is expected to reject the revised terms later this week. Said the former Everton boss: We would like to have him as part of our plans, but the decision will be up to him.'' The Blues are also close to agreeing a new contract with defender Richard Edghill and have signed England Youth forward Leon Mike. Assistant manager Willie Donachie has also signed a three-year deal and Royle said: It took me and Willie three minutes to say yes. We have had a bad time but we all know this is a Premiership club. We must go up next season so we can go on to challenge for the Premiership. Added chairman David Bernstein: ''This is a first step to ensure that the disappointment of the last three seasons are never repeated. It will take very hard work and commitment, and I can promise the fans we are united as a team in the quest to deliver the aspirations they so richly deserve.''

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