CHRIS Brass has signed a new three-year deal as player-manager of York City, keeping him under contract at Bootham Crescent until July 2007.

Player-coach Lee Nogan will also continue to assist Brass after agreeing a two-year extension to his current contract.

Nogan has indicated his desire to play for another two seasons and the directors are expected to negotiate new terms on a purely coaching basis when he hangs up his boots in 2006.

Brass and Nogan have impressed City's directors and the wider football fraternity since being appointed by the club's new board over the summer after Terry Dolan's departure.

The extended deals also serve as a reward after the pair agreed to a wage cut while taking on the added responsibilities in July.

Announcing the move, City finance director Terry Doyle said: "We are all delighted that Chris has accepted an extension to his contract as player-manager. The board of directors all believe that by giving Chris a further three years after the end of this season, he is being given a fair period to work with the board towards our ambitions of ultimately playing first division football in York."

Doyle added: "Chris has earned the respect of the directors, fans and players alike and has given the best possible answer to those who doubted his ability to cope with the job at a young age. We believe that in Chris we have one of the best managers in the lower divisions.

"He is absolutely committed to seeing progress at York City Football Club and we are confident that he is the manager to help us achieve that."

Brass became England's youngest manager when he was announced as City player-boss at the age of 27 in July.

He has now turned 28 and, by June 2007, will still only be 31.

Brass said: "I appreciate the confidence shown in me by the board of directors and I am committed to working with everybody connected with York City to bring to this football club the success that its supporters deserve. Terry has been very open with me regarding the club's financial position and the board's future plans for bringing success to

the club and I am confident in my ability to play a major role in the future success of York City Football Club."

Doyle also welcomed Nogan's decision to stay at the club, adding: "To have both Lee and Chris committed to new contracts is outstanding news. Lee has had a great season as a player and formed an excellent partnership with Chris.

"It was also a big step up for Lee to take on coaching responsibilities and he has made an excellent contribution to this season's progress."

Nogan said: "I am proud of the contribution I have made to the team this season. I enjoy working with Chris and am pleased everyone believes I can help the club progress to become a bigger force in football."

Finally Doyle added: "Both Chris and Lee undoubtedly have the club's best interests at heart. This was evident in May when they accepted their new managerial roles. Although they were taking on increased responsibilities, they both volunteered a reduction in their salaries to assist the financial position of the club. This was a fantastic gesture at a very difficult time."

The club confirmed the new contracts offer Brass and Nogan extended periods, but no additional financial gain.

The announcement comes after last week's news that York City will be continuing to play at their Bootham Crescent home for the foreseeable future. The announcement of the agreement between Bootham Crescent Holdings, Persimmon Homes and the club has allowed York City to now plan for the future, their first move being securing contracts for their management duo.

Players earn cash booster

YORK City finance director Terry Doyle has confirmed that all players asked to take wage deferrals this season will be paid back in full this summer.

Several Minstermen players agreed to defer payments under contracts that were agreed before the Supporters Trust took control of the club in March.

Doyle said: "I can confirm that all of the wage deferrals will be settled at the end of the season. The agreement with the players when they took wage deferrals was that they would only be deferred until the summer when we will be back on an even keel."

Updated: 09:58 Saturday, February 14, 2004