SKIPPER Chris Brass had at least one good reason to cheer despite defeat to Exeter bringing the curtain just about down on York City's promotion hopes, writes Dave Stanford.

It was announced at Bootham Crescent on Saturday Brass has been voted clubman of the year by the City faithful although, in a change to previous seasons, he was not presented with the trophy prior to kick-off.

The City captain will instead receive the prestigious Billy Fenton Memorial Award, now in its 30th year, at a special presentation night staged at Ikon & Diva night-club, Clifton Moor, York, on Sunday, May 18.

Brass has also been named the Evening Press player of the year and the Harrogate Minstermen supporters' club branch player of the season.

A couple of awards were dished out on Saturday with Mike McKenzie named the club's youth team player of the year.

First year trainee Bryan Stewart was voted the players' youth team player of the year.

The award capped a fine day for Stewart, who also scored as City's intermediates ended their season with a 2-1 win over Bury to make it four victories in succession. Adam Arthur scored City's other goal.

It was also announced the club will be hosting another Bootham Crescent open day on July 13, when supporters will be able to go behind the scenes at the stadium and meet the City players.

More details about the event are expected to be released soon.

Updated: 11:50 Monday, April 28, 2003