York City's board of directors today said the performances of manager Chris Brass's team were "under constant review" following their latest heavy defeat.

But in the meantime, they have again called on fans calling for the boss to go to remain patient and get behind the team with Saturday's critical FA Cup qualifier at Carlisle looming.

The demoralising 4-0 loss at Conference leaders Barnet was City's seventh defeat so far - and third heavy loss - in a division supposed to be of a lower standard than the Football League.

Supporters are becoming increasingly frustrated with the situation and cries of 'Brass out' from City fans more frequent, leading the board to issue a statement amid a growing disquiet as to the state of on-the-pitch affairs.

Since taking over as player-manager in June 2003, Brass has steered his side to 14 wins, 18 draws and 29 defeats - a record that has seen the Minstermen tumble out of the Football League for the first time in their history. Now they are flirting with the drop zone in the Conference after just four wins and four draws from 15 games.

But a decision to offer Brass a three-year-deal in February, tying him to the club until July 2007, leaves the board in a scenario of having to pay up more than two-and-a-half years of his contract if a decision was taken to replace him.

However, despite the mounting pressure from the terraces relating to the young player-manager's position, the board have urged the fans to continue to back the team.

Communications director Sophie McGill said: "We are obviously facing a difficult time on the pitch with an important game on Saturday.

"The playing performance is under constant review for action to improve our position in the Conference league.

"Everyone at the club shares the same disappointment and frustration as the supporters. All we can ask is for fans to maintain their support at this difficult time.

"The board, management, staff and players continue to work hard to improve the situation in the best interests of York City Football Club."

The board first announced it was keeping a close eye on results in August when, with just three points from a possible nine, a timescale for improvement was disclosed privately to Brass at a board meeting.

Updated: 10:37 Tuesday, October 26, 2004