Who will be in York City's next generation? Sports writer CLAIRE HUGHES scouts around.

"THE thing with the young players is that you have got to persevere with them and give them time. You have to have patience with them and work hard with them because the young players at the club are still the future."

It's a simple philosophy that youth coach Brian Neaves and his team hold. And it's one that appears to be working at York City.

Dozens of graduates of the City scheme have made a name for themselves in the professional game from Jonathan Greening in the Premiership to the likes of Sean Davies and Graeme Law in the current first team squad.

Tight deadlines are in place to make the process as easy - and fair - as possible for the next wave of youngsters hoping to follow in their footsteps.

On Sunday, the under-16 School of Excellence players will learn whether or not they will be offered a place in the scholarship scheme.

And in the weeks to come, first team manager Billy McEwan will be getting his head together with youth team staff to work out which of the current second year trainees will be granted a third year to stay and fight for a professional contract, and which third years will make the grade for the start of the new season.

It's a tense time for everyone concerned.

One midfielder hoping for a chance is 15-year-old Danny Phillips, from Ripon, who has been playing with the youth team for three-quarters of the season.

He said: "It's quite hard playing with the YTs because they are all bigger and faster than under-16s but the lads are all right.

"I had a trial at Boro but didn't get in so I came here and I'm pleased I did. The coaches really help you settle in.

"I find out on Sunday if I get offered a Scholarship place. I don't feel as bad about it as I thought I might because I've been doing the best I can.

"With so many YTs getting into the first team it means there's a lot more under-16s that have come into the squad so it's a great opportunity."

Up to eight academy players will be offered a two-year scholarship to take the total up to around 18.

Of those already there, the three first years automatically move up to become second years.

The next decisions required are for the seven current second years. They will be told by the end of April whether or not they will be offered a third season.

Right-back Andrew Green, 18, is one.

He said: "It was a big difference when I first came into the YTs. We were training hard every day unlike when we were in the under-16s which was just a couple of times a week.

"It was pretty tough and I got a few injuries. I've just come back after four months off with a broken leg.

"Your confidence takes a bit of a knock when you're out for a long time because of something like that but you've just got to get on with it.

"I'm trying to get my ankle a bit stronger and then my thoughts will be on getting a third year and trying to impress the new gaffer."

After that, the decision falls to first team boss McEwan for the five third years.

Said Neaves: "I suspect that because we have got a new manager it might be later rather than sooner.

"If they don't get anything here, they are going to have to get busy trying to get trials at other clubs, which, if the decisions aren't made until later on, could well be pre-season trials.

"The third years have got to prove themselves to the new manager now - it's no different to any of the other professionals. They are all fighting for a contract."

Updated: 10:30 Friday, February 25, 2005