LAST season's top marksman Andy Bishop will be missing from the York City side that open their pre-season programme at Frickley Athletic tonight (7.30pm).

Bishop, who netted 12 times for the Minstermen during a disappointing 2004/05 campaign, has picked up a 'niggling' injury that will prevent him from featuring at the Millennium Worldwide Stadium.

The 22-year-old striker required an operation at the end of last season to help correct knee tendonitis but his latest complaint is unlikely to prove a major setback.

City boss Billy McEwan has confirmed that several trialists will be given the opportunity to shine at the UniBond League club. He is currently keeping their identies under wraps.

Travelling fans will also be given their first glimpse of summer signings Clayton Donaldson, Mark Convery and Mark Hotte with Darren Dunning, Graeme Law, Dave Merris, Chris Porter, Lev Yalcin, Michael Staley and Arran Reid also named in the squad.

David Stockdale will miss out on the short trip to South Yorkshire as he recovers from a foot injury but McEwan has been encouraged by recent contract talks with the Leeds-born goalkeeper.

The 20-year-old stopper was offered first-year professional terms at the end of last season and, despite delaying his decision, now looks poised to put pen to paper.

McEwan said: "Things have come on a bit with David Stockdale. He wants to sign for York City and I think that will happen in the next couple of days."

Supporters will be able to collect their season tickets before and after Saturday's KitKat Crescent friendly against League One outfit Hartlepool United.

The ticket office will be open from 11am to 5.30pm and fans will also be able to pick up their season tickets prior to the home friendly against Sheffield Wednesday on Monday, August 1.

Collecting season tickets in person will save posting costs with City now having received 846 applications for the new campaign.

Hartlepool today signed former City utility player Darren Williams from Cardiff, from whom Pool also recruited ex-Minsterman Lee Bullock.

Former City loanee Michael Proctor joined Hartlepool earlier this month while midfielder Mark Tinkler, another former Bootham Crescent man, is on Pool's books.

Updated: 09:48 Tuesday, July 19, 2005