York City boss Chris Brass' two wishes for the New Year are to stay in the Division Three play-off hunt and to safeguard the future of the football club.

Brass outlined his hopes for 2004 after watching his side win this year's final game 2-1 at Rochdale yesterday.

The City manager described 2003 as an "eventful but enjoyable" 12 months during which the supporters assumed control of the club in March and he became player-manager at the age of 27 in the summer.

Brass now feels solid foundations are in place to take the club forward but would welcome an end to the uncertainty surrounding Bootham Crescent.

The club's current lease with landlords Bootham Cresent Holdings expires in the summer and, without a change to that agreement or a successful planning application for a move to Huntington Stadium, City could still be homeless next season.

Player-manager Brass said: "My hopes for 2004 are that we can stay in fighting distance of the play-offs. If we get there it's a bonus but, with this group of players, as long as we keep suspensions at a minimum and stay injury free, we have a realistic chance.

"That would set us up well for the future because the biggest thing is the survival of York City Football Club. We want to safeguard that and hopefully with what happens on the pitch it will increase the interest in and value of the club."

Brass also believes that yesterday's victory at Spotland - the first away success in 12 matches - will provide added confidence going into the New Year.

He said: "I think we played some of our best football in a long time. They levelled the scores and had a bit of a go at us but we weathered it and another great finish from Lee (Nogan) got us our second goal.

"We showed the type of team spirit that I will demand for as long as I am the manager. The players have learnt how to take defeats in the right manner and I am sure they can learn from this victory as well because they dug in and stuck at it.

"It was the first time they have actually kept the ball well at the end with corners and throw-ins. They were professional and you can't ask for anything more than 2-1 away from home."

Brass also had a word of praise for his assistant Nogan, who grabbed City's first brace of the season as he moved ahead of Lee Bullock to become the club's leading marksman on six goals.

The City chief said: "Lee was in the right place for the first goal and used the pace from Darren Dunning's terrific cross to put the ball in the back of the net.

"The ball from Darren Edmonson for the second goal was a bit behind him but Lee did extremely well to adjust his feet and then hit it early and I think all the credit for that one has got to go to Lee Nogan.

"He just got a good first touch, saw the gap and hit it in the corner. That's what you expect from your strikers and he continues to play well. The old man just keeps on going!"

Updated: 11:08 Monday, December 29, 2003