BACK to front was the about-turn made by York City manager Alan Little this week.

When it was thought the manager's priority was for a centre-back he dipped into the transfer market to snare front-man Martin Carruthers.

The 26-year-old striker joined City on a month's loan from Peterborough United with the distinct possibility of sealing a permanent deal if he impresses.

The surprise move shows not only determination to ensure the goals keep flowing for the Minstermen, but also a canny look ahead that is vital for City's well-being.

Little insisted the snap recruitment of Carruthers did not signal that hot property Richard Cresswell was about to exit Bootham Crescent for the riches of an elite club.

But with the growing army of scouts monitoring Cresswell and his continued exciting form in front of goal then it would be foolish not to plan for the future.

City also have to cater for the loss of Neil Tolson, whose injury-cursed campaign suffered another rap with a hamstring injury that is likely to sideline him for another fortnight.

Meanwhile, barring any more injuries this afternoon against Oldham, City will be close to full-strength for the first time this season. The timing of the clean bill of health could not be any more propitious. As the season's run-in gathers momentum, every team would pray for a full complement from which to choose.

City now have that luxury. With City operating with one of the smallest pay-rolls in the division, then the re-appearance of Alan Pouton, Neil Thompson and Steve Agnew, is almost like having three new signings, such has been their respective lengthy absences.

Players presently occupying the first XI shirts will have to perform to hang on to them, insisted Little.

Do well or you're out. Do the business, otherwise you will be fit to drop is the message, bolstered by Carruthers' arrival.

City's new man certainly proved an early riser when he was up at 7am to make the journey from his Nottingham home to ensure he was in good time to sign on the dotted line at Bootham Crescent yesterday.

DROPPING into place for City right now is the left-sided partnership between Wayne Hall and Gary Himsworth.

The have established an 'H'-block of solidity even though to observers they are in about-face positions.

For the past eight games Hall, who has spent the best part of a near-decade at Bootham Crescent as a left-back, has occupied the left side of midfield. Meanwhile, Himsworth, still listed as a forward in no less an esteemed publication as Rothmans, has starred at left-back.

Whatever the merits of their preferred positions the have-a-crack enthusiasm displayed by both has proved a playing boon for the men in red. Said Himsworth of the axis: "I'm really enjoying it. The partnership with 'Ginner' seems to be going really well. Hopefully, that will continue."

HALL, who, together with team-mate Richard Cresswell, boasts a website on the Internet dedicated to him, bagged another distinction at the weekend.

In a feature on one-club stalwarts of the domestic game 'Ginner' was listed as the lone City man to have recorded 11 years' service at Bootham Crescent.

But there was a glaring omission in the long-service roster headed by the 20 years' service of Maurice Malpas to Dundee United. There was no mention of Hall's full-back oppo' Andy McMillan, now in his 12th season since making his debut for City for whom he holds the second highest number of appearances.

ONE-TIME City starlet Jonathan Greening was literally seeing red over the titanic FA Cup clash between his current side Manchester United and Liverpool.

Greening, a spectator at City's 1-1 draw with Reading a week ago, might have had a chance of being considered for the Red Devils for their spat with their Merseyside rivals last Sunday but for having to serve a one-match ban.

The suspension was imposed for his sending-off in the United reserves win at Aston Villa, the game, ahem, when City Intermediates inadvertently scoffed United's pre-match meal.

Still, Jonno would have been far more pleased at the dramatic ending to the FA Cup tie than his best pal Richard Cresswell. City's current top scorer is a dyed-in-the-wool Liverpool fan. Ouch.

MAN United famously, or even infamously if you remember, sported a grey strip at Southampton, but it will be grey matter occupying United fan Andy McMillan.

Next up in the City right-back's testimonial year programme is a quiz night to be held at the Severus Social Club in Milner Street, Acomb, on Wednesday, February 10.

The event starts at 8pm and besides a host of prizes there will be a raffle, plus a chance to meet McMillan and his City team-mates.

CUP fever did not quite grip City midfield star Mark Tinkler this week. The ardent Sunderland fan was left downcast by the Wearsiders' Worthington Cup woe against Leicester City.

Thanks to the irrepressible Tony Cottee the Foxes snaffled a 2-1 lead out of the first leg of the semi-final meeting to take back to Filbert Street.

READING striker Carl Asaba, who featured in the 1-1 draw at Bootham Crescent last Saturday, has an unusual keepsake. The cheetah-fast Asaba boasts a picture of his pet cat called Simkins, I am reliably informed by a former team-mate.

CITY'S club shop will be open before Tuesday night's FA Youth Cup replay at home to Ipswich Town. The shop will be open from 6pm for an hour before the kick-off for which a match programme will be available.

PLACES are still available on Travel Club coaches for City's next brace of away fixtures.

For next Friday's trip to Colchester departure time is 1.30pm at £15 for TC members (£17 non-members). For the February 20 game at Wrexham depart Bootham Crescent at 11.30am at £9 (£11).

There is also a family coach to Wrexham leaving at 9.45am at £8 for Junior Reds and parents, including match admission.

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