CHRISTIAN Fox has picked up the gauntlet thrown down by new York City chief Chris Brass after agreeing to a Bootham Crescent return.

Fox, cut free at the end of last season when his contract expired, has put pen to paper on a new one-year deal and becomes the first signing of new player-boss Brass.

When offering Fox a contract, Brass described the upcoming season as 'make or break' for the midfielder, who has suffered a torrid time with injuries over the past two years.

"Christian has signed and is looking forward to the challenge. He is desperate to prove himself and I'm glad to have him on board," said Brass.

While Fox has agreed to stay at Bootham Crescent, Brass is still waiting to hear whether defender Chris Smith and Graham Potter will follow suit.

Brass is expecting to learn of Smith's decision within the next 36 hours while Potter's position is likely to be clearer by the start of next week.

"Hopefully, we will get a decision on them as soon as possible," said Brass, who admitted his offers would not remain on the table for much longer.

"I do need to know one way or the other because I'll be missing out on players who I have pencilled in as replacements.

"Steve Davis (Burnley's centre-back) has gone to Blackpool. I couldn't have offered what Blackpool have given him, but players like that are going to get fixed up and I can't really afford to wait any longer."

Defender Stuart Wise is also expected to sign his first senior contract today after coming through the club's youth ranks.

However, one player who will not now be returning to the club is striker Anthony Shandran.

Speaking last week, Brass said he was considering offering the youngster, who scored three goals while on loan from Burnley last season, an opportunity to return to City on trial.

However, with a number of trialists expected to arrive at City next week, Brass confirmed Shandran would not be among them.

"I am probably looking to bring in a more experienced striker," he explained.

"Anthony had his chance last season and did quite well but I would like to bring in something better, hopefully."

With around half-dozen trialists expected to arrive for training on Monday, Brass said he is looking to bring in four more players, six if Smith and Potter reject their contract offers.

Signing a goalkeeper and a striker remain top of the City player-manager's list of priorities.

Brass said he was delighted with the response of the existing squad, who returned for pre-season training earlier this week and were meeting for the first time since Terry Dolan and Adie Shaw were relieved of their duties

"It was nice to get the boys back and to be able to brief them on our expectations and some changes we have in mind," said Brass.

Updated: 11:11 Friday, July 04, 2003