YORK City manager Martin Foyle says he has no idea about the identity of his starting 11 for the opening game of the Blue Square Bet Premier season against Kidderminster at Bootham Crescent.

As his side prepare to face Scunthorpe United this evening (7.45pm) in the fourth of City’s pre-season friendlies, the Minstermen manager says he is yet to nail down his team for the August 14 opener following some positive performances.

“We just need to get to North Ferriby and then take stock and see who needs more time,” Foyle said. “I have no idea what the side will be (for Kidderminster). It is open and that’s how we worked last season. It’s a great sign and it’s encouraging. That’s how you want it to be. Everyone knows they have a fair chance and we haven’t got a clue what it (the team) will be.

“We need to keep everyone in high spirits and that’s what pre-season is about.

“It’s about them getting in my face and making me pick them – rather than thinking I am not going to be play and being negative.”

Foyle also believes that City can now also play in a variety of ways, and in a number of different formations, according to the circumstances required.

He added: “Andy Porter (assistant manager) said to me last week that we have got the possibility that we could play a back three with the full-backs pushing on.

“We have got three strikers and there are lots of ways we can go and play – depending on who were are going to play.”

With former City favourite Martyn Woolford and striker Adam Boyes returning, Foyle is hoping Scunthorpe will provide another good test as his side continue their preparations for the new campaign.

Right-back Duane Courtney will play some part in the match but Greg Young, who limped off after 30 minutes of the 1-0 win over Morecambe still suffering from the stone bruise he picked up on holiday, will miss out.

“Duane is going to be part of the team,” Foyle added. “He’s a fit guy and it has been frustrating for the new players. He is desperate to get out there. Greg is sore and he has had a jab in it. He wants to be involved but he won’t be tonight. He will be involved on Saturday.”

He continued: “It will be a good footballing game. They are a good side and we are just delighted they are coming down for us. I would rather play these games, on a decent pitch, rather than a poor pitch and an away game.”

Having regularly made substitutions to rotate his squad in the first three matches as players strive for fitness, Foyle indicated this may now change as the season gets closer.

“In the last game some had 60 minutes and, this time, we will be looking at some 60 and some 90 minutes,” he said. “It will be the same against Hartlepool and we might look to pencil in a couple of other games.”

Meanwhile, City supporters will have the chance to have their photograph taken with the squad at the club’s annual photo-call at Bootham Crescent on Friday.

For £50, each fan will take the centre seat in the squad photo next to Foyle and will receive a 10ins x 8ins framed photograph.

There will also be the opportunity to meet the management and players and collect autographs.

Spaces are available on a limited basis and can be booked by phoning club secretary Nick Bassett on 01904 624447 ext 1.