FORMER York Wasps fans favourite Mark Cain is set for a return to Huntington Stadium.

The Wasps were confident of securing the services of the talented half-back before the start of the new Northern Ford Premiership season.

Chief executive Ann Garvey said the 25-year-old would return to the fold subject to his present club, Dewsbury Rams, releasing him from his current contract.

"I am delighted that it looks like he will be coming back to York," she told the Evening Press.

"He is the kind of player we are looking for. Having spoken to Leo Epifania (the new Wasps coach) on numerous occasions we know he wants a team full of commitment and would not expect anything less, and I feel Mark Cain has got the qualities that we're looking for.

"He was a big favourite with the fans when he was here and playing well, and, under the new coach and alongside the new players we're hoping to bring in, he will do extremely well for the club."

Cain had left Wasps for Ram Stadium at the beginning of June last year, going on to help the Rams top the 2000 NFP table and win the Grand Final.

That move ended a five-year association with York Wasps, where he had become one of the biggest earners among the then playing staff.

However, Garvey said Cain had departed at a time when the Wasps, then in financial difficulties, were going through a tough time, with the player "not being able to show his full potential".

But she added: "He is more than happy to return now and we've agreed terms with the player, and subject to his release from Dewsbury he will play for York Wasps next season."

Meanwhile, Garvey has revealed that coach Epifania is looking to bring with him two or three players based in his native Australia as the Wasps look to build a first-team squad of 25. The club are also in negotiations with three other players.

However, she stressed that the Wasps - who were forced to enter into a company voluntary arrangement earlier this year which they have since ended - would not "overspend".

She said: "Because it looks like it will be a long season - the league format has yet to be confirmed - we will have to have a fairly large squad as there will be injuries, fatigue and suspensions.

"We are looking to start the campaign with a squad of about 25. However, we do not want to get back into the financial position we've been in."

Updated: 11:55 Wednesday, September 26, 2001