CHRIS Brass and Lee Nogan have surged to pole position as York City's next new leaders after ex-Minsterman Jon McCarthy ruled himself out of the managerial race.

McCarthy exclusively told the Evening Press that entering management was a million miles away from his current thoughts, his ambitions confined solely to resuming his playing career.

That leaves the path clear for present City skipper Brass to assume command as player-manager assisted by former Welsh international Nogan. They are the leading contenders to replace Terry Dolan and his lieutenant Adie Shaw, both sacked from managerial duties four days ago.

The Evening Press understands the board of the club's owners - the Supporters' Trust, who have confirmed they are seeking a player-manager - have edged closer to naming their new team after a further behind-closed-door talks yesterday. More dialogue was being held today with an announcement expected tomorrow.

While the talks head towards a solution, one-time City favourite McCarthy vigorously denied any interest in the player-manager post.

McCarthy instead insisted his prime motivation was to keep playing, believing he still had two years left as a pro' even though he was back on the look-out for a new club after being released from Carlisle United.

Indeed, he feared the fate of Dolan might well have now scuppered his chance of a longer return to Bootham Crescent, where he made his first impact as a professional en route to big-cash moves to Port Vale and Birmingham City and a flurry of international appearances with Northern Ireland.

The 32-year-old McCarthy candidly voiced his dismay at the exit of Dolan, whom last season attracted the twice City player of the year back to North Yorkshire.

McCarthy's projected comeback was strangled by the club's taut purse-strings. After appearing in City's 3-2 home win over Leyton Orient on November 9, McCarthy moved to Carlisle on the advice of Dolan, who could not guarantee him a cash deal.

The winger revealed he had contacted Dolan to commiserate with him after his shock departure as City manager.

McCarthy told the Evening Press: "I wanted to express how disappointed I was that Terry Dolan and Adie Shaw had gone.

"When I came back to City last season Terry Dolan was straight down the line with me. It would have been great to have stayed and played at York. But they just could not do it and that same day we found out the rest of the lads weren't getting paid. Terry said I'd be better taking up the offer from Carlisle. He was as good as gold and I'll not forget that.

"I was hoping that had Terry still been at York a move for me might have been resurrected, but that might not happen now."

McCarthy also told Dolan he had not made any move for the player-manager role, contrary to media speculation.

"I have never even considered being a manager," said the winger. "It is not the right time for me as I still think I can be playing for a couple of years yet. That's what I want to concentrate on.

"Whoever gets the new job faces a major task and I hope it works out for them. I hope there's a mutual respect between me and York City after our association in the past.

"I want York City to do well and whatever happens I hope they have taken the right step."

Updated: 11:15 Tuesday, June 03, 2003