CHRIS Brass and Lee Nogan are poised for a European pow-wow as York City's new managerial duo look to hit the ground running.

The Evening Press can reveal Brass and Nogan plan to interrupt their family holidays in Portugal to hold face-to-face talks and draw up their battle plans for the upcoming season.

The duo had booked their holidays in the sun weeks before their appointments, but by strange coincidence are staying in nearby resorts.

Anxious to start formulating their plans as quickly as possible, Brass and Nogan, who have so far only held talks on the telephone, have agreed to meet up in Portugal and get down to business.

Player-manager Brass is already on holiday in Portugal with his family. Nogan, who has been away taking his UEFA 'B' coaching licence, will fly out shortly.

In the meantime, Nogan said he would be scouring the list of available players which he will take with him to Portugal so the duo can discuss their targets and assess their options.

"We are staying only about half-an-hour away from each other so it seems sensible to try and meet up," explained Nogan, who has been appointed player-coach.

"We have spoken on the telephone and had a chat about things but this will be the first time we will have talked face to face."

Nogan said identifying new recruits was top of the duo's priorities before the club's players return for the start of pre-season on July 1.

However, the work-load for the club's new management team will be eased with the news City will be retaining the services of fitness coach Kevin Hornsby next season.

Hornsby is a popular figure at Bootham Crescent and was widely acclaimed for improving the squad's fitness last season.

"We do need to get players in, that's obvious," said Nogan. "Pre-season will almost take care of itself with Kev overseeing the fitness side of things.

"Hopefully, we may be able to bring some players in before July 1 but it is important we don't rush things.

"We certainly don't have long but it won't be a problem and I'm looking forward to working with all the players."

Nogan's hunger to get out on the training field with the players stems from his time away taking his coaching qualifications.

Nogan spent ten days at Warwick University working alongside the likes of former England skipper Tony Adams, Manchester United captain Roy Keane and former Chelsea coach Graham Rix, who were also taking their UEFA 'B' badge.

"It was a brilliant experience and all the lads pulled together," enthused Nogan.

"The news came out while I was there that I'd been appointed player-coach at City and they all wished me well.

"Graham Rix told me it would be hard work but to stick to my beliefs and I appreciated that."

Of the course, Nogan said: "It wasn't just coaching, but there was a lot of theory, first-aid and even some psychology involved. It was certainly very productive and I just can't wait to get going."

Nogan will be in action on Saturday for the first time since his appointment.

The ex-Welsh international will play for the Yorkie Bars, the City Internet supporters team, in a friendly with their Darlington counterparts.

City have agreed to let the game be played at the Wigginton Road training ground (ko 10.30am), and all supporters are welcome.

Updated: 10:55 Thursday, June 12, 2003