YORK City player-manager Chris Brass today confirmed some of the players shown the Bootham Crescent exit door at the end of last season could return to the red ranks.

Tom Cowan, Gary Hobson, Graham Potter, Christian Fox, Chris Smith, Craig Wilding, John Collinson and Lee Nogan were all told in May they were free to find other clubs.

Nogan has since been installed as assistant to Brass, who was appointed to the Bootham Crescent hot-seat in the wake of the mass May exodus.

Speaking to the Evening Press, Brass admitted he had already identified those players of the remaining seven he would like to offer fresh terms to.

However, the new City chief will not be revealing just who he wishes to return to Bootham Crescent until he has had a chance to talk to them.

Back in May, a number of the players spoke of their disappointment at finding out only through the pages of the Evening Press that their contracts were not going to be renewed.

Brass said he was anxious to avoid a repeat of that situation and speaking to the players to inform them of his intentions was now high on his list of priorities.

"At the moment, a lot of the lads are on holiday so until I have actually spoken to them I don't want to go public just yet," he said. "It is only fair they find out from me first whether they are going to be offered something or not."

Brass confirmed he may invite striker Anthony Shandran, who spent the end of last season on loan with City, to join the Minstermen for the start of pre-season training.

Shandran has been released by Burnley and is currently a free agent but the City player-boss said he would like to assess the youngster's form and fitness first before deciding whether to offer the 21-year-old a permanent deal.

Clearly influencing the 'wait and see' policy of Brass is the sheer numbers of out-of-contract players currently available.

The City chief returned from his holidays to be greeted by a pile of faxes and numerous calls from agents detailing available players, from home and abroad, requesting trials.

"There are so many players out there it is important not to rush in and make any snap decisions," explained Brass.

"I have to be very selective. They have to fit in with the budget that I am now working within and I also have to be sure they will show the same endeavour and commitment that the lads showed last year.

"I'm fortunate enough to have ten very good lads in already and I want to build on that in terms of the players I will be bringing in."

The City manager also spoke of his admiration for former Clarets skipper Steve Davis, another player to have been strongly linked with a move to the Minstermen.

However, Brass conceded budget constraints and interest from other clubs may rule out a move to Bootham Crescent for the 34-year-old defender.

"Steve is a great professional and arguably one of the best players I've played with," said Brass.

"Because of his position he might not a be a priority as such, but he is someone I would consider if money is in the budget.

"I'm sure he wouldn't have any qualms about playing for me but he will have numerous clubs interested in him.

"It would certainly be a major scoop if I could attract him."

Updated: 11:09 Thursday, June 26, 2003