York City chairman Douglas Craig today indicated cash is available for under-fire manager Terry Dolan to strengthen his squad.

But the City chairman, who steered clear of handing Dolan the dreaded vote of confidence after four successive defeats, indicated prudence remained a factor.

"I never give the vote of confidence because in football that is just a joke," said Craig.

He added: "There has always been money available to deal with such matters but of course it has to be appreciated at the moment the expenditure at the club far exceeds the income.

"Therefore the matter must be dealt with in a sensible and pragmatic manner."

City's 3-1 defeat at home to Macclesfield on Saturday means they have yet to register a win in 2001 and leaves them just two places off the bottom of the Football League.

The weekend gloom was lifted however by the news the Minstermen are set to receive another £100,000 as part of the deal that took Jonathan Greening to Manchester United.

The initial £350,000 deal included a clause that gives City £100,000 for every five appearances the former City starlet makes for United.

His starting role against Aston Villa on Saturday was his 25th game for the Premiership champions and means Greening's transfer has now been worth £850,000 to City.

Dolan, who faced calls for his sacking from sections of the home crowd on Saturday, admits he is looking to strengthen his side.

Long-term injuries to midfielders Kevin Hulme and Christian Fox have left him particularly short of options in the City engine room.

"But you can only get people if they are available. You can't just go out and say we will have him," reasoned the City manager.

In the face of fan furore, Dolan was remaining defiant after Saturday's defeat.

He said: "I have never been one to talk about confidence too much but at the moment it is very evident.

"As soon as we concede a goal we look ragged and once it went to 3-1 we didn't look too good a team.

"At the end of the day we have got to produce a good enough game and good enough football to make sure the supporters don't get on the players back.

"If they keep doing it there is nothing I can do about that.

"We have just got to stick at it and we will turn the corner sooner or later.

"You cannot please everyone no matter what you do and I will continue to make the changes that need to be made until we get things right because that is my job."

Dolan gave praise to City man of the match James Turley.

"He has set an example to others and they have got to take notice of that," he said.

"I think he might be able to relax and think he might be in the game for Tuesday."

Updated: 08:47 Monday, January 22, 2001