STUART Wise is set to turn down the opportunity to earn a new contract at York City and play part-time football instead.

The 20-year-old defender failed to return to pre-season training yesterday and has telphoned player-manager Chris Brass to signal his intentions.

Brass told Wise at the end of last season that he would be given a new deal at Bootham Crescent if he lost weight and improved his fitness levels before the start of the new campaign.

But the Middlesbrough-born centre-back appears to have turned down that chance and Brass will now look elsewhere to strengthen his squad.

Darlington utility man Gary Pearson has already been signed after a 12-month deal was agreed yesterday and Brass is also running the rule over trialist goalkeeper Craig Mawson and striker Tommy Raw.

Former England semi-professional stopper Mawson was at Morecambe last season while Raw has been released by City's North Yorkshire neighbours Scarborough.

Ex-Burnley midfielder Paul Weller is also currently training with the Minstermen, as is free agent Richard Cooper, who is maintaining his fitness levels after being released by City at the end of last season.

Brass admitted to being surprised with Wise's decision and said: "Stuart Wise did not come back to training yesterday and phoned me to say that he wanted a bit of time off to sort his head out. He said he is thinking of going part-time which is disappointing.

"I gave him an opportunity to prove he was going to be fit and the fact that he has not taken it probably means he has not got the desire needed and there are plenty of players out there who are desperate to play professional football.

"He's a good kid so I hope he has something sorted out job-wise if he's right mentally. The door's not closed on him but we have to move on because there are other people out there."

Pearson became Brass' fourth summer signing after experienced pair Paul Groves and Steve Davis and young striker Paul Robinson, who agreed two-year terms this week.

About his latest addition, Brass said: "He's somebody who will keep everybody on their toes. He got suspended at Darlington and could not get back into the team but he's got a lot to offer and knows it's a make-or-break season for him.

"He's a utility man who can play anywhere and we will be using him to fill in wherever we need."

Brass will look at several trialists during pre-season and, although former Turf Moor team-mate Weller is only currently at City on a training basis, the City leader has not ruled out an ambitious bid for his services.

Said Brass: "We will be looking at both Tommy and Craig, who is a 'keeper who knows a lot about what the Conference is about.

"Paul Weller has had a couple of offers but there could be a possibility of signing him.

"It would be a big step down, though, from the First Division and there would be financial implications but he's been impressed with what he's seen so far, so who knows? He's a very good player."

The versatile Cooper has been given permission to train with City as a token of appreciation for his efforts last season.

Brass added: "The door's never been fully closed on Richard and he deserves somewhere to train. He's not had any offers yet so he needs to keep his fitness levels up to give him a realistic chance.

"I am sure he will get something somewhere because of what he did at York City and I will recommend him to any managers who contact me about him."

Updated: 10:24 Friday, July 02, 2004