City's Leeds way

However, it might not be too long before City are not just clinging to the coattails of their Premiership neighbours but matching them stride for stride - if only in the fitness stakes.

As reported in the Evening Press, at the start of pre-season City manager Terry Dolan drafted in leading fitness guru Ed Baranowski and his team of experts to get his players in shape.

Their involvement has continued throughout the campaign.

Now it seems it will be maintained next season and beyond too as city take a long term view to Minstermen maintenance.

Speaking at Thursday night's fans' forum, Dolan said: "The benefits will progress as each year goes by. It is a gradual, structured process.

"Ed Baranowski and his team have worked with several clubs, one of which is Leeds United.

"I think this is their third full year and people at Leeds are now saying as each year goes by they have seen an improvement in the fitness of the players

"How much I don't know. But they have improved and that is Leeds United saying that, not Ed Baranowski."

TERRY Dolan wouldn't rule out a summer raid in the transfer market for a wide man.

However, the City chief insisted now was not the time to look to the flanks.

"There is a time and a place for wingers in football. At the moment it is not the time or the place. We are fighting for our lives and wingers do not get you out of trouble," he said.

"In the close season if there are people available I will be looking at them."

YORK have appealed for help in putting the tick-tock back into the Bootham Crescent clock.

The clock, situated on top of the Popular Stand, has not worked since the back end of last year when it was hit by a falling branch.

Secretary Keith Usher said the club had made extensive inquiries since then in the hope of getting it repaired, but all to no avail.

"We would appreciate anybody who would be willing to come forward and mend the clock," he said.

"It is not for lack of trying. I have even thought of going up myself to repair it because we are desperate to get it done."

CITY chairman Douglas Craig rejected suggestions he ran the club like a dictatorship.

"I don't suffer fools too gladly and I have never suggested I do," he admitted.

"But I suggest you talk to any of the staff at the club not in my presence and ask them if I run the place in a dictatorial manner and see what they say."

FORMER York City favourite Paul Barnes made an immediate impact on his debut for Nationwide Conference outfit Nuneaton Borough.

As reported in the Evening Press, Barnes has signed for Boro on loan until the end of the season from Second Division Bury.

It took the 33-year-old just 24 minutes to grab his first goal for Nuneaton. He added a second 20 minutes later as Boro beat Kingstonian 2-1.

LAST Saturday's defeat to Plymouth Argyle proved costly in more ways than one.

As well as bringing to an end City's nine-match unbeaten run it also saw the grim spectre of relegation return.

The 2-1 reverse also spelt the end of Dolan's hopes of landing the Nationwide manager of the month award for March.

The award went to Scunthorpe United's Brian Laws after guiding his team back into play-off contention.

United's record for March stood at five wins, one draw and one defeat.

City's was three wins and four draws before that defeat.

Sources at the Football League insist Dolan was a leading contender for the accolade.

The judges were impressed that City's run had started from rock-bottom and in particularly testing times for Dolan.

But it seems the Argyle defeat swung the vote behind Laws.

GOOD news for both Peter Duffield and the club was announced at the fans' forum.

As reported in this column last week, the striker was on the verge of a return to full training after seven months out with a broken leg.

City boss Dolan confirmed at the fans' forum Duffield is now back - and scoring goals.

"He is progressing brilliantly," said a delighted Dolan.

"He is now training full-time with the squad and we are just making sure no one tackles him.

"The thing that pleases me is that whatever games he plays the ball hits the back of the net which is something we have missed."

A FAMILY coach is being run to Hull City ahead of York City's match at Boothferry Park on Easter Monday.

A normal travel club bus will depart Bootham Crescent at 12.45pm, priced £6 for members and £8 for non-members.

The family coach, for City Junior Reds and parents only, will leave at 11.45am and will cost £10, including admission to the game.

For further details, telephone the club shop on 01904 624447.