York City Football Club today appointed 27-year-old club captain Chris Brass as their new manager.

Brass, who becomes the youngest manager in the Football League for 50 years, will be assisted by 34-year-old team-mate and former Welsh international Lee Nogan, who will take up the reins as the club's player-coach.

It was no secret that the City board were looking to replace Terry Dolan and Adie Shaw - who were relieved of their duties on Friday night - with a player-manager and player-coach because of the financial constraints at the club.

However, the appointments will be viewed as a daring move.

Neither Brass nor Nogan have ever ventured into the pressure-cooker world of football management before, and they are some way behind the Godfather of managers, Newcastle's Sir Bobby Robson, who at 70 is nine years older than the City duo's combined ages.

However, the City board believes the dynamic duo are the perfect team to lead the club forward after the Minstermen just missed out on a play-off spot in Division Three last season.

City chairman, Steve Beck said: "The board of directors are very excited about the new appointments and are confident Chris and Lee will prove a successful management team.

"Chris has shown himself to be an inspirational captain and a great motivator who communicates well with players at all levels. Both Chris and Lee have the respect of the dressing room and the ability to lead by example.

"As the dependence on young players increases, we believe we need a hands-on management team who can cultivate and nurture our young talent, bringing the best out in our players."

Brass added: "I am honoured to be York City's new player-manager. I am delighted the board of directors have had the confidence to offer me this role and I am determined the club will achieve the success it deserves.

"I think the fans know as a player I always give 100 percent and now I have the chance to show them my dedication and commitment to the club as a manager."

Updated: 10:46 Wednesday, June 04, 2003