ALAN Fettis's proposed move to Hull City was up in the air today with York City refusing to bow to Tigers' pressure.

Fettis was poised to put pen to paper on a two-and-a-half year deal yesterday afternoon.

However, the Evening Press understands the deal has hit a brick wall over a clause which stipulates Fettis must not play in Saturday's Division Three clash between the two sides.

Hull, keenly aware of City's financial problems, are insisting that if Fettis does sign he must be available for this weekend's derby duel.

If he isn't, Hull are threatening to pull the plug on a deal that would ease City's wage burden considerably.

Hull boss Peter Taylor said today: "It is not 100 per cent yet and there are still some bits and pieces to sort out. But we are still looking to bring him in."

The Evening Press understands City boss Terry Dolan is adamant Fettis cannot play for the Tigers on Saturday and in any case is refusing to let Fettis go until he is able to find a suitable replacement.

The club's current number two John Collinson has still to sample first-team football and Dolan is unlikely to want to risk the young rookie in such a high-profile and highly-charged game.

One possible loan target for City is Sunderland's Michael Ingham, a goalkeeper Dolan is known to rate highly.

However, Ingham is currently away with the Sunderland first team squad in Marbella while Black Cats' boss Howard Wilkinson also has fresh injury concerns over Mart Poom.

Until the seriousness of former Derby shot-stopper Poom's back injury is known Wilkinson is believed to be reluctant to release Ingham.

The Evening Press understands Dolan is looking to bring a 'keeper in - an indication he is clearly preparing for the departure of Fettis - but admits it could take a couple of days at least to secure a replacement.

As the City players have not been paid for two months, it is believed Fettis is effectively out of contract at York.

However, it is thought that Fettis is supposed to give up to 14 days' notice of his intention to quit and so in reality City can block any move to Hull ahead of this weekend.

Fettis, who is also being tracked by Stockport County, has stated he has no burning desire to leave Bootham Crescent.

However, given the club's uncertain future - City could still go out of business in four weeks time - and with a young family to consider the Northern Ireland international is also keen to secure some stability.

The Evening Press understands Fettis, out of loyalty to City, is also aware of the delicate nature of playing for the Tigers on Saturday should his move to the Kingston Communications Stadium club be revived.

There will, however, likely be a new face in Hull City's attack on Saturday.

Ex-Leeds United and Scunthorpe striker Jamie Forrester was poised to sign for Hull from Northampton today provided he passes a medical.

The York City Supporters Trust is holding a recruitment drive at the Bootham Crescent Social Club from 7pm tomorrow.

All fans are welcome to attend at any point in the evening.

The bar will be open with the Trust on hand to sign up new or existing members and it is hoped some of City's players will attend.

Updated: 13:00 Tuesday, January 21, 2003