YORK City are set to appoint a new boss by the end of week, with a host of names in the hat.

Despite only parting company with Terry Dolan and Adie Shaw on Friday, the club's board have moved quickly to fill the post, with talks held at a secret location over the weekend.

Further meetings were planned today, and although no indication has been given to who are currently in the frame, the club have made it clear that they are looking to appoint a player-manager to keep costs down to a minimum.

City legends Paul Barnes and Jon McCarthy are being widely tipped to be among the front-runners, in a move that would be highly popular among the Minstermen faithful, while current skipper Chris Brass and out-of-contract team-mate Lee Nogan have emerged as potential candidates.

Another of the released players, Gary Hobson could also be in the frame, along with free-scoring Peter Duffield, who was showing that he was back to his poaching best before the club's financial problems saw him head out to Boston. Also a consideration for the board will be head of youth development Paul Stancliffe, whose experience could be vital in an advisory role.

Billy Fenton Memorial Trophy winner Brass has been hailed as a hero from the terraces as he has rose to show exemplary leadership on the field during City's darkest days off it.

Having fracturing a cheekbone the weekend before the club went into administration in December, Brass's calming touch was missed on the pitch and it was no coincidence that when he return, City made a concerted push for the play-offs - only to falter at the death.

However, at just 27, any appointment of Brass would be seen as a daring move by the board, with former Burnley defender's best playing days still ahead of him.

However, while Brass is still hitting his peak, former Welsh international Nogan is reaching the twilight of his career.

The much-travelled veteran striker has plenty of contacts in the game, but although he is now 34, Nogan believes he still has plenty of mileage left in the legs yet.

The popular front-man may have been released by the club at the end of the season, but he still hasn't given up hope on agreeing a new deal at Bootham in time for pre-season.

Former Northern Ireland winger McCarthy was believed to be on the verge of signing for Conference outfit Morecambe, where his former international boss Jimmy Harvey is in charge. However, that move has been put on hold, sparking rumours that McCarthy could be set for a third spell at Bootham Cresecent.

McCarthy was given a hero's welcome when he returned for a solitary appearance last season, before switching allegiance to Carlisle for the offer of a permanent contract.

However, McCarthy found himself joining the many players to be released in the end of season clear-out and was understood to be poised to sign for Morecambe before news of the City job was announced.

Former Wembley wWizard team-mate Barnes is another player who has strongly been linked to the post, having helped guide Doncaster back into the Football League, via the Conference play-offs.

Fan favourite Barnes has already begun his route into management at Donny, where last season he combined being the club's leading scorer with coaching duties.

And although, the sharp-shooter has agreed a new one-year deal at Belle Vue last week, it is believed he has a management release clause in his contract.

The board has refused to be drawn into any speculation over who will take-over from Dolan.

Communications director Sophie McGill said: "We spoke to a number of candidates on Saturday and the interview process is continuing today, with meetings held at a secret location.

"Once the board has made their decision, then an announcement will be made as soon as possible."

Updated: 11:13 Monday, June 02, 2003