York City boss Chris Brass has pulled off his first major transfer coup in recruiting former Sheffield United, Everton and Barnsley midfielder Mitch Ward.

The vastly experienced 32-year-old spearheads a list of five new players to sign for the club, with trialists Liam George, Arron Wilford, Darren Dunning and Andrew Jordan all agreeing to one-year deals at Bootham Crescent.

The quintet of players were undergoing medicals today before the deals could be ratified, but no problems were being expected by the club.

And, with all five fitting into the minimalist budget handed to Brass, at least one or two more players could well be joining them in the very near future.

The news of the signing of Sheffield-born Ward has come out of the blue, with Brass fighting off a host of clubs for his signature.

Brass told the Evening Press: "There was a lot of interest in Mitch, but he has decided to come to us. This is not a financial issue and it is refreshing to know there are players like Mitch about in this age.

"He wants to come to us to play football and knows what we are about. He has got bags of experience, having played in the Premiership, and will be a positive influence on the rest of the lads."

Ward, with over 300 appearances and 18 goals at all competitions, will add the much needed bite and power to the midfield, while possessing fierce right-footed shot.

Following Ward, will be the quartet of trialists the Bootham Crescent faithful have seen in the two games against Sunderland and Leeds.

Former Republic of Ireland Under-21s striker George was once rated with a £1million price tag, but he has not fulfilled his obvious potential in recent years, drifting between Bury, Boston and more latterly St Patricks in the Eirecom Irish League. But Brass is ready to put his faith in the tricky frontman, offering him the chance to finally pick up the pieces of his career.

Scarborough-born Dunning had interested a number of clubs following his release from Blackburn Rovers in the summer, most notably Macclesfield Town where he spent part of last season on loan. However, the lure of his home county is just too strong for the 22-year-old midfielder.

Another player looking to fulfil his potential is Wilford, with the former Middlesbrough trainee having been attempting to restore his career in the non-League circle. The striker has had spells at Scarborough and Pickering Town before showing glimpses of his capabilities with 21 goals in the UniBond League last season with Whitby Town - although Wilford did start his career at the Turnbull Ground in defence.

Centre-half Jordan, 23, put in a superb display against Leeds, which saw him emerge on top from his tussle with Alan Smith and Mark Viduka. The son of former Manchester United and Scotland legend, Joe, was released by Cardiff at the end of the season having joined the Bluebirds for £30,000 from Bristol City in 2000.

Of the four Brass added: "They have all impressed me since they first walked through the doors of the club. They have all worked hard and shown a good attitude. They are all welcome additions. The squad is now starting to have a look about it, with all the players wanting to play for York City and to play to our style of football.

"There are still scoop for one or two more players and there will be more signings - at least one or two, if not more, before the start of the season."

Updated: 11:35 Friday, July 25, 2003