NEW York City director Steve Beck has set his sights at seeing his beloved Minstermen top their roller-coaster season at the Millennium Stadium.

Although there is no doubt everyone associated with the club would snap up the opportunity of automatic promotion, the thrills and spills knockout football on one of Britain's top grounds would offer City the perfect stage to celebrate the year - or 15 months - that was.

Not only would a play-off final be a fantastic reward to the players, who have undoubtedly proved themselves this season with their never-say-die attitude, but for the staff and the fans also who have experienced every up and down during the turbulent time.

Beck, a fan of 35 years, told the Evening Press: "A trip to Cardiff would be a dream ending to what has been a nightmare for club.

"After the everything the club has been through, since November certainly, then this would be perfect for everyone.

"It would be fantastic to everyone connected to York City, but first we will have to keep playing as we have been."

The determination of the new board to see York City scale the heights of the 1992-93 season - the year Alan Little's Wembley Wizards beat Crewe on penalties in the play-off final - means they won't be ready to rock the boat with the playing staff.

The players, who have been praised for their efforts on-the-field during the darkest days in the Minstermen's history, have already agreed to deferred 20 per cent of their wages.

Rumours have been abounded that today, the deadline for all transfers this season, would see 'several' players exit the club - with Mike Basham and Aidan O'Kane topping the list. Basham is currently playing non-League for Chelmsford, while O'Kane has gone to Scarborough on trial.

However, Beck said: "We have had discussions with the players and the PFA (Players' Football Association) and they are fully aware of our situation.

"It has been widely reported that the players have accepted a deferment, while there will be a restructuring of contracts at the end of the season for those players who are out of contracts.

"We are working to tight budgets, so we can't spend money that we can't get in. We can't allow that situation to happen."

Updated: 10:53 Thursday, March 27, 2003