York City player-boss Chris Brass has admitted that he is wary of the "vultures" that may circle Bootham Crescent this summer in search of free transfer signings.

As yet, only Brass, assistant coach Lee Nogan and midfielder Darren Dunning are under contract beyond the end of this season and City could enter a wages bidding war for the services of certain players.

Jon Parkin improved his salary last month by joining City's Division Three rivals Macclesfield Town and Brass is aware that he could be powerless if players receive more lucrative terms from higher league clubs.

He said: "If somebody has a better offer from a higher division and we can't match it then that's the position we find ourselves in but we will be doing as much as we possibly can for the players we want to offer deals to and hopefully get them tied up sooner rather than later so the vultures can't swoop."

Brass admits that he would be frustrated if he loses players because of financial considerations but also emphasises the necessity for City to continue working within their means, saying: "It's frustrating but this is where we find ourselves. We got the good news about the stadium but the abortive costs were £60,000 and we have had to make that back up in the budget somewhere but we are being honest with players and giving them the best possible opportunity.

"We know where we are going to be at and it will be hard again next season but we have the nucleus of a good team and I'm quietly confident we can get a few more extra quality bodies in the summer with the main priority being one or two more strikers. Every manager wants to go to the board and have an open cheque-book but that certainly does not happen at York City and I was well aware of that when I signed my contract.

"Things are going to be tight unless we progress through the league. We will work within our means and hopefully get success then things work hand in hand."

Brass is almost decided on his retained list for next season and will be telling certain players that they will not be required for next season to give them the opportunity to find new clubs before the transfer deadline during the third week of this month.

He said: "All the lads are aware that within the next couple of weeks they will find out whether they will be offered a contract or not. I have had one or two in and it's a case of being honest with them and telling them they won't get the opportunity. Stephen Brackstone has been told so he might be able to get fixed up before the deadline."

Brackstone had a trial with Boston, but the Pilgrims opted not to offer him a deal.

Updated: 10:44 Thursday, March 11, 2004