PREMIERSHIP big guns Newcastle United and Middlesbrough will be sending teams to Bootham Crescent for friendlies this summer.

Yorkshire neighbours Doncaster Rovers and Sheffield Wednesday have also joined fellow White Rose rivals Leeds United in an attractive pre-season programme.

The Minstermen will kick off their warm-up for next season's Conference campaign on Friday, July 16 by playing host to Doncaster - the side who confirmed Chris Brass men's relegation on their way to the Division Three championship.

Middlesbrough, who include the likes of Juninho, Gaizka Mendieta and former City midfielder Jonathan Greening on their books, will then visit York five days later on Wednesday, July 21.

The Riverside Stadium outfit have also agreed to let City keep all gate receipts from the match.

Ailing South Yorkshire outfit Wednesday are the next visitors on Saturday, July 24 before newly-relegated Leeds continue their preparations for life in Division One against the Minstermen on Tuesday, August 3.

Newcastle United then complete the pre-season line-up. The Magpies visit on Friday, August 6 when City fans will be hoping that former England captain Alan Shearer and current stars Jonathan Woodgate and Kieron Dyer could be included in the visitors side.

City managing director Jason McGill said: "Chris Brass has done a fantastic job organising the pre-season programme and attracting such high-profile teams. We hope our fans will support the game as they will be important income generators for the club."

An additional friendly game at a local non-League club is also due to be scheduled.

Current programme: Friday, July 16 - Doncaster Rovers (H, Time TBC); Wednesday, July 21 - Middlesbrough (H, 7pm); Saturday, July 24 - Sheffield Wednesday (H, 3pm); Tuesday, August 3 - Leeds United (H, 7.45pm); Friday, August 6 - Newcastle United (7.30pm).

Updated: 11:12 Monday, May 24, 2004