CHRIS Brass has ended a year-long pursuit of former Burnley team-mate Steve Davis by making the experienced defender his first summer signing.

Brass first tried to lure Davis to Bootham Crescent when he was made player-manager last July.

He also attempted to bolster the club's fight against relegation by recruiting the highly-rated Blackpool centre-back on loan before last season's transfer deadline day.

The Seasiders were not prepared to release Davis at that stage but Brass has finally landed his man despite rumoured interest from old club Burnley, who are believed to be prepared to offer him a coaching role, and numerous other teams.

The ex-Luton defender, who will turn 36 in October, has also reached a financial agreement with Blackpool over the remaining year of his contract.

A delighted Brass said today: "We missed out on Alex Hay who went to Rushden and he was one of three players that I had made my main priorities to sign. But Steve was top of that list and I'm also hoping that the striker that I have targeted will soon be next.

"Steve is one of the best professionals I have worked with and he has the same hunger and desire still. I feel he will also help Lee Nogan and myself in the dressing-room which was something that was missing last season.

"He will come in and have a great impetus. He has turned down a number of offers to stay in the League and play at a higher level but he wants to be part of taking this club forward.

"His experience will certainly help the youngsters at the club. Blackpool have also been helpful and not stood in his way."

Davis played 37 times in Division Two last season.

He started his career as an apprentice at Southampton in 1987 and made six appearances for the Saints before moving on to Burnley for £60,000 after loan spells at the Lancashire club and Notts County.

The Hexham-born defender joined Luton in 1995 for £750,000, where he stayed for three years before returning to Burnley for the same price.

He has played 605 League matches and scored an impressive 76 goals.

Always a threat at attacking set-pieces, Davis also regularly finished games as an emergency striker at Luton.

Brass will also be monitoring the official released list that will be made available to all clubs today.

He said: "You are aware of nearly everybody who is on it but there are always one or two shocks so I will be looking at that with interest."

Meanwhile, ex-City loan midfielder Justin Walker will not be back with City next season after he agreed to stay at Third Division Cambridge United.

Walker, who spent two months at Bootham Crescent last season, has signed a new one-year deal at the Abbey Stadium.

The former Scunthorpe and Lincoln play-maker made nine appearances for the Minstermen before returning to Cambridge in March.

Player-boss Brass had indicated that he would have been interested in agreeing a permanent transfer this summer.

Updated: 10:57 Tuesday, June 01, 2004