YORK City player manager Chris Brass today confirmed Chris Smith, Graham Potter and Christian Fox have all been offered the chance of a Bootham Crescent return.

The three all looked to be on their way out of City at the end of last season after being told they were free to find other clubs.

However, Brass has moved swiftly to offer new deals to the players as his squad rebuilding programme moves up a gear.

Smith, Potter and Fox are now currently mulling over the contract offers ahead of the start of pre-season training tomorrow.

The return of Smith, who celebrates his 22nd birthday today, would be a major fillip for Brass, the club and the City faithful.

He was arguably City's most improved player last term with a series of consistent displays at the heart of the Minstermen defence.

Said Brass: "Everyone knows how highly I regard Chris and he is someone I am anxious to tie up a deal soon.

"He was tremendous last season and I want to see him make that sort of progress again next season."

Brass also spoke of his desire to land Potter and revealed he would be asking the former England Under-21 international to take on a new role next season if a deal can be thrashed out.

"Graham did ever so well last season and was a major player in the dressing room during the troubled times," explained Brass.

"I might use him in a different role which I have discussed with him. It would be a more attacking role which I think will play to his strengths."

Brass, who is working within a tightly controlled budget, added: "The only real issue is the financial aspect which he is mulling over. But Graham has been totally honest with me and I've been totally honest with him."

Fox remains arguably one of the club's most talented players but has suffered terribly from injuries over the past three seasons.

In offering the 22-year-old fresh terms, Brass threw down the gauntlet to Fox.

He said: "Christian has been very unfortunate with injuries but has an abundance of talent and I want to give him the chance to prove himself and show his hunger.

"In many ways, it will be a make or break season for Christian, it could go one way or the other, but I have faith in him and I'm sure he and the club will benefit."

With Smith, Potter and Fox offered new deals, it means Tom Cowan, Gary Hobson, Craig Wilding or John Collinson, the other players shown the door in May, will not be returning to the club.

Brass, who has spoken to all the players concerned, said it had been a difficult decision, in particular the decision not to offer Cowan fresh terms.

"Tom was a great servant last season but I have already got Scott Jones who is in a similar mould and, with the current budget, I am very conscious of the fact I have to build a team that will take us forward. In terms of age, Tom does not fall in line with that," said Brass.

Updated: 11:36 Monday, June 30, 2003