I'll not turn my back on City

FORMER York City manager Chris Brass has vowed never to quit the club despite his sacking last week.

Brass, 29, has agreed to carry on as a player for as long as he is wanted and has pledged his full support for caretaker boss Viv Busby.

In his first public interview since being relieved of his managerial duties last Sunday, Brass also apologised to supporters for not bringing the successes to Bootham Crescent he craved so much.

He told the Evening Press: "I got polite inquiries from other clubs after the news got out and I asked for some time to reflect, get away from things and have a good think but people in football know how loyal I am and I don't think I could ever run away, hide or turn my back on York City. I couldn't in our darkest hour when we went into administration and when I took the job as manager I wanted to help the football club and certainly something that's helped me make the decision to stay has been the amount of fans and well-wishers that have contacted me with letters of support wanting me to stay as a player.

"I certainly know the players want me and, as long as the management do, I want to stay at this moment in time. I want to return to being a player and give my best, which I have always done in my life, and hopefully regain the form which people have cited as a reason for them wanting me to stay.

"As a team, we all wanted success but unfortunately it did not happen and I want to say sorry to the fans that I could not deliver it. All I'm concentrating on now is using all my energy as a player to get results for York City and the new manager."

Brass expressed his sincere hopes that his immediate successor Busby can bring to the club the success that has eluded the former Burnley defender.

Busby, the assistant manager during City's glory days under Denis Smith, was brought in as Brass' number two in September but has now been thrust into the difficult job of reversing the club's fortunes.

The pair have developed a healthy working relationship and Busby's predecessor will offer him his full backing, with Brass admitting that his experiences over the last 16 months have made him appreciate a football manager's role even more.

Brass said: "Viv wants me to stay as a player and I think he's aware of what I can give him. I will assist in any way, shape or form to help this football club because that's how I am.

"I will back him as manager like I have done any other and will be in his camp fighting for him. I hope he can be the one that lights the paper to get us up the league because I still think the calibre of players we have, including the people to come back from injury, are capable of doing that.

"A few results can pick up people's confidence and there's no reason why it can't happen as we are still only ten points off the play-offs. It will only take three or four results and everything looks rosier although at this moment in time it doesn't and I have ultimately paid the price."

Brass also wanted to use the Evening Press to express his thanks to fans and backroom and office staff at Bootham Crescent for their support during his managerial reign, including those made redundant in the summer.

He said: "Thank you all for your support before, during and after my tenure as manager. You have all helped me make my decision now because, like the fans, this club has got a hold on me."

Chris back as captain

CHRIS Brass will return to his role as captain of York City after being sacked as manager last week.

The 29-year-old defender will lead the team out at Woking on Saturday with Darren Dunning handing over the armband he has donned in the absence of club captain Steve Davis.

Caretaker boss Viv Busby said: "I will be having a little word with Darren and Steve and telling them that I think it's a good idea to make Chris captain again to give him the responsibility on the pitch that he wants and warms to."

Updated: 10:25 Thursday, November 18, 2004