FORMER York City boss Chris Brass has been told he can leave KitKat Crescent if he finds another club.

Brass has reported for pre-season training after receiving treatment on his knee injury at Lilleshall but the former Burnley defender does not figure in Billy McEwan's plans next season.

McEwan doubted City's ability to continue paying Brass' wages at the end of last season and has since told the 29-year-old defender that he is free to seek new employers once he is fit.

Brass, however, still has two years of his contract to run and any permanent transfer would have to be concluded before the newly-introduced window closes at the end of August.

It would not then reopen until January although loan deals can be conducted within that period.

McEwan said: "Chris Brass is getting himself fit and, when he is, hopefully he can get himself fixed up somewhere because we can't afford him."

Wage considerations also mean that Paul Robinson remains on the City transfer list although McEwan admits that he has been impressed by the former Newcastle United striker's approach to pre-season training.

Robinson has so far attracted no inquiries but McEwan said: "He's working his socks off and his attitude has been superb. There's nothing personal between me and Paul. I love him to bits but the bottom line is we can't afford him.

"He's a great lad but we are running a business. Good luck to him for getting such a big contract but he would not have got it off me."

It is believed between five to eight new faces could still join City before the start of the season, joining summer signings Mark Hotte, Clayton Donaldson and Matt Convery.

Whoever comes in, they won't be facing Premiership club Newcastle United in a pre-season friendly this summer.

The Minstermen had hoped Newcastle would honour a friendly, postponed from last year, next month, but the Magpies' Intertoto Cup commitments have made that impossible.

Newcastle have now signalled their intention to visit KitKat Crescent at some stage during the course of the season if both clubs have a free week.

The Minstermen's first pre-season match at home will be against Hartlepool a week on Saturday (July 23) with admission £10 and £5 for concessions.

Sheffield Wednesday will visit nine days later on Monday, August 1 with prices £12 and £6 for concessions.

Supporters will be given an eight-page programme at both matches free of charge.

McEwan's men kick off their pre-season campaign at Frickley Athletic on Tuesday night and also visit Sheffield FC on Saturday, July 30.

Updated: 10:58 Friday, July 15, 2005