Welsh international striker Lee Nogan has committed himself to new promotion-pushing labours in York City's frontline .

The 32-year-old Nogan confirmed today that he had agreed a two-year deal with the Minstermen.

And in a second fillip for City manager Terry Dolan combative midfielder Nick Richardson has said 'yes' to a new one-year contract.

Thrilled that negotiations were now resolved hot-shot Nogan outlined an ambition to help to propel the Bootham Crescent club to a turnaround from relegation strugglers to play-off candidates.

"With a bit of luck and providing we can stay away from too many injuries I believe we have every chance of getting into the play-offs," said the striker, who became an instant hit with City fans after his arrival in mid-February on a short-term contract following his release from Luton Town.

Nogan fired a smart return of six goals in 16 games, a tally that did much to haul City away from the gaping jaws of relegation. Buoyed by the settling of his immediate future for the next two years Nogan's aspirations in the red shirt were far higher.

"I always wanted to sign for York and I am glad that it's now been settled before I go on holiday," said the one-time Watford, Reading and Grimsby Town marksman.

"It's always unsettling when things are not sorted out. But now I can get ready for the start of pre-season. I'll be raring to go."

Nogan concurred that his final three months of last season at Bootham Crescent had helped him to 'get his eye in'. The Cardiff-born crackshot was confident of posting even greater feats when the 2001-2002 campaign kicks off in two months' time.

"Even though we were struggling at the bottom when I first arrived we went on quite a good run and things went well for myself," he said.

"The run-in showed that if the players display the same sort of commitment as we did over the last two months then we will have half a chance of doing well.

"Besides myself there were several other 'new faces' who came in like Chris Brass and Richard Cooper. So I think we are going in the right direction."

Nogan brushed aside any suggestion that at the age of 32 he was reaching the time of hanging up his boots as a striker.

As he prepared for his 16th season in a professional career that kicked off at Brentford in 1986 the City front-man said he took great encouragement from the likes of 'thirty-something stars' such as Gary McAllister and Teddy Sheringham.

"They are older than me, yet they are still going strong," said Nogan.

"Provided you keep yourself in trim - and I have always looked after myself - then fitness is not a problem.

"I would say I have got at least four years left in me - maybe more. So I'm just looking ahead to the next two years with York and then see what happens after that."

City boss Dolan enthused over the capture of Nogan and midfielder Richardson on longer-term deals to follow the recent examples of Richard Cooper and Neville Stamp.

Said a delighted Dolan: "They are all players who were brought here from Christmas onwards and all played their part in getting us out of trouble.

"It's good news for York that they have all agreed to sign."

Updated: 09:18 Tuesday, June 12, 2001