York City have taken experienced goalkeeper Paul Crichton on trial with the view to a permanent move.

Crichton, 35, was understudy to England 'keeper Robert Green at Norwich last season but has been released by the Canaries following their promotion to the Premiership.

And City boss Chris Brass, who was a former team-mate at Burnley, is considering a duel playing and coaching role for the well-travelled stopper.

Brass said: "We are looking at him to see if we can kill two birds with one stone. We might want to use him to bring on one or two of the younger 'keepers as well as competing for a first-team place."

Crichton has played for 11 clubs, encompassing spells at Notts County, Darlington, Peterborough, Swindon, Rotherham, Torquay, Doncaster, Grimsby, West Brom, Burnley and Norwich.

He began his career at Nottingham Forest but failed to make an appearance at the City Ground club and also had a brief spell at Aston Villa, where he never played a game.

Brass is also hoping former Walsall striker Andy Bishop will join the Minstermen after impressing during pre-season training.

Bishop, 21, has never played for the Saddlers but has scored in successful loan spells at Yeovil, Rochdale and Kidderminster, bagging ten goals in 42 starts.

Brass tried to sign the 6ft striker before last season's transfer deadline and said today: "Andy has been training with us and he's enjoyed it. He wants to come here so hopefully we can put a package together.

"He's done ever so well every time he's been out on loan from Walsall and we tried to get him last season but he had a bit of tendonitis at the time. That's gone now and what we've seen in the last week has impressed us."

City players will be in "force" at the Army in York Open Day at Imphal Barracks on Saturday.

Visitors to the barracks will be able to try a "Beat the York City 'Keeper" competition, as well as learning top dribbling skills from other players under the watchful eye of player-coach Lee Nogan.

Parachute, motorcycle and air displays will also form part of the many attractions with entry £3 for a family up to four and £1.50 for individual. All proceeds will go to charity.

Updated: 10:53 Monday, July 12, 2004