YORK City's search for a new manager began in earnest today following the shock decision to bring the curtain down on Terry Dolan's reign at Bootham Crescent.

With the club's board of directors citing financial reasons for having Dolan and his assistant Adie Shaw step aside, it seems likely the club will look to appoint a player-manager to the position.

In doing so, the club will fill two positions for the price of one at a time when City have made it abundantly clear the need to cut costs where ever possible.

It is not known at this stage whether City will look to appoint from within, or will cast their net far and wide in the search for a replacement to Dolan, who ruled as manager for three and a half years.

Given City's obvious financial constraints, it is also unclear whether the club will be in a position to appoint an assistant.

If they do, it seems likely the number two will also be required to combine playing with coaching duties.

Former fan-favourite Paul Barnes, however, can be ruled out of the running for the vacant position.

The goalscoring legend would be a popular choice among the Bootham Crescent faithful, who remember his sharp-shooting feats in the 1990s with affection.

Barnes has already started preparing the ground for a managerial career at newly-promoted Doncaster Rovers, where last season he combined playing with a coaching role.

But only this week the 35-year-old signed a new one-year contract at Belle Vue and he now seems certain to be playing against the Minstermen rather than leading City in Division Three next season.

Reports in the North East today tip Dolan as a possible candidate for the vacant job at Second Division new boys Hartlepool United.

The Victoria Park club dramatically ended Mike Newell's six-month spell in charge last night, just weeks after the former Everton and Blackburn striker, in his first managerial job, guided Pool to only their third promotion in the club's 95-year history.

Dolan was tipped in some quarters to be wanted by Rochdale this week - something he strenuously denied via a statement from his solicitors.

Updated: 10:16 Saturday, May 31, 2003