MISSING man Luther Blissett has expressed his desire to see 'the job through' at York City while revealing his disappointment at his and the club's predicament.

The City coach has been absent from the club for almost two months after it was claimed by chairman John Batchelor that he was working on a number of commercial opportunities abroad.

Blissett himself claimed he was heading to Scandinavia to carry out some scouting missions, with both the former Watford striker and Batchelor insisting he would be returning to his coaching duties.

However, almost eight weeks have now passed since those initial announcements with Blissett admitting he is still absent from the club and still in the dark as to his future.

"I am still employed by the club but I am just waiting to have my position clarified," he explained.

"I popped to the ground last week to speak to the administrators because nobody had contacted me.

"Basically, they are going through everything to see how best to make things work and are hopeful someone will buy the club.

"Hopefully, that will happen and then I will be told what is what."

After being appointed by Batchelor in the summer, Blissett moved to York from his home in the south to take up his coaching position with City.

"Of course, I'm disappointed with the way things have worked out but I am more disappointed by the fact no-one has informed me as to what is going on," said Blissett, who confirmed he had not spoken to the City chairman for some time.

"You agree to something and you want to see it through but I just feel I am being kept in the dark about things."

In a strange twist, Blissett confirmed he had not been to Scandinavia and inferred that story had been put out as a smoke-screen, agreed with Batchelor, to explain his sudden absence.

He declined to comment as to the reasons that forced his November departure from Bootham Crescent, amid speculation his working relationship with manager Terry Dolan and assistant coach Adie Shaw had broken down.

"I'm not going to go into the details, but it was decided I should stay away for a couple of weeks while things settled down," said Blissett.

"Obviously, that has not come about for whatever reasons."

Despite the confusing situation, Blissett said he still hoped his position could be resolved and if buyers are found he could still have a part in helping City push for promotion.

"I am keeping my fingers crossed that the club will survive and the team will go on to achieve promotion," he said.

"The players have got themselves into an excellent position in terms of promotion and the play-offs and there is every chance they could be in a mega-position in terms of automatic promotion.

"That is why I came here but I am on the outside at the moment and it is not a particularly nice feeling.

"But when you have started something you want to see it through and I think it is obvious I have had some sort of influence since coming to the club. I would like to continue with that."

Updated: 11:50 Monday, December 23, 2002