By Dave Flett

YORK City's new skipper Steve Davis has admitted that winning promotion from the Nationwide Conference this season would be made all the more sweet because his old pal Chris Brass is manager.

Davis' friendship with former Burnley team-mate Brass was crucial in the former Turf Moor and Luton Town favourite's summer switch from Blackpool.

And now the cultured centre-back, is determined to guide the Minstermen to the play-offs - at least.

He said: "The fact Chris is a friend definitely makes me want to succeed for his sake. It's nice to come to a club where you can speak to the manager and have a good rapport with him and that's important.

"I've been very impressed with him. He's set his stall out, knows what he wants and there's nothing going to stop him staying positive.

"We used to say at Burnley he was the oldest 24-year-old in the world. He was 24 going on 44 but he's the organiser. He always has been, even at a young age.

"He loves to take on responsibility and that's what he's done. I think that's why he's taken to management like a duck to water.

"As well as Chris, I also want to succeed for myself. I want to get promotion and, without tempting fate, I realistically think we have got to be at least looking at the play-offs and I think we will be disappointed if we don't achieve that."

Davis has been impressed with his new team-mates during pre-season but was disappointed to miss out on a chance of playing Newcastle last Friday after an eye infection that beset the Magpies saw their trip to Bootham Crescent cancelled.

The 35-year-old defender, who came through the Southampton ranks with Alan Shearer as a teenager, was upset for several reasons.

"I'm a Sunderland fan so always like a chance to play Newcastle," Davis explained.

"I'd also spoken to Jack Hixon - a scout based in the North-East - and if Shearer had been playing I was getting his top so it's also disappointing from that point of view but, more importantly, the game would have been another 90 minutes against quality opposition and helped us a bit more in terms of organisation. Aside from that the pre-season's gone really well.

"Kev (Hornsby), the fitness man, has looked after us and, even though it's been hard work, every day's been different, which is important to keep everybody interested.

"As the games have gone on, I think we have got better and better and I thought we put in a good performance against Leeds."

Davis' central defensive partnership with former Blackpool team-mate Chris Clarke has also looked stronger by the game.

The senior member of the duo believes his 6ft 4in tall fellow centre-back will prove an excellent signing, saying: "The spine of the team is important, especially in this league where there will be plenty of teams who are up and at you. So, if we can meet the physical challenge, I think we have got enough on the deck, football-wise, to open people up and get some wins.

"Clarkey's comfortable on the ball and is quick for a big lad. He's strong and good in the air.

He's got a lot to offer and he will be a good signing for the club."

Should Clarke be injured or suspended, Davis could find himself renewing his Burnley central-defensive partnership with Brass and would also welcome that possibility.

He said: "That would be no problem. We had quite a good partnership at Burnley with Gordon Armstrong sweeping behind us.

We know that it can work if an emergency arises."

Davis, who helped to nurture the Premiership talents of defenders Matthew Taylor and Gary Doherty while captain at Luton, also believes City's youngsters can make a significant impression on the club's season, saying: "The manager has thought about who he's brought in and I think he's got a good squad together.

"There's a lot of experience mixed in with some good young lads. I think the young players are capable of making an impact.

"I have also heard a few things about first year pro Bryan Stewart and am looking forward to watching him when he's involved in the first team."