York City chief Terry Dolan has revealed a crucial new signing that will have the Minstermen ready to start next season with a bang.

Dolan has captured leading expert Ed Baranowski and charged the highly-acclaimed fitness guru with getting his players in the peak of condition come August 12.

Baranowksi will arrive at Bootham Crescent in the summer backed with an impressive CV.

His company, New Life, already works with Leeds United, Manchester City, Bradford City and Dolan's previous club Huddersfield Town.

In a change to previous years at City, Baranowksi and his staff will not just work the City players during pre-season but for two days a week for the duration of the season too.

"I am sure it will be of great benefit to the players," said a delighted Dolan. "Ed Baranowski is highly thought of and very up to date with all the latest developments in his field.

"Programmes will be tailored for the whole of the season and they will give different players different types of fitness work."

The City boss has also moved quickly to arrange York's pre-season training camp.

The City players will stay at Keele University in the week before their prestigious pre-season friendly against Manchester United on July 29.

The Minstermen will travel to their Stoke-based accommodation on Sunday, July 23, play local non-league outfit Newcastle Town on the Wednesday before returning to York the day before they meet the Premiership champions.

Dolan meanwhile revealed he was having to adopt a wait and see policy before naming his side for tomorrow's Yorkshire derby with Halifax Town - City's final home game of the season.

Former Shayman Mark Sertori is the latest player to cause concern after being laid low by the stomach bug that forced Darren Edmondson's withdrawal in the 2-0 Easter Monday defeat at Chester.

Edmondson is still unwell and a doubt while Barry Jones and Christian Fox, who have both missed City's last two outings through injury, are definitely out.

Dolan is hopeful Jones and Fox will be available for York's final game of the season at Leyton Orient and is boosted for tomorrow by the news that Steve Agnew has shaken off the hip injury that forced his substitution at Chester.

Striker John Williams, who suffered a heavy tackle from behind in that match, has also declared himself fit, as has fellow forward Colin Alcide, who limped out of City's last home match against Brighton.

Dolan admitted he was hoping City - who have scored just one goal in April but had gone nine games unbeaten before Monday- can finish the season with goals to kick-start phase two of his Bootham Crescent rebuild.

"From the supporters point of view I would hope to finish the home season with a few goals," said Dolan

"When I came to the club I felt the main area that needed looking at was the defence and the goalkeeping situation. We have done that.

"I also knew a lack of goals was a problem but I felt the way we have gone about things in attending to the defence first has been the right way. Part one has been completed successfully and now we can look forward to part two."

Defender Paul Stoneman is doubtful for Halifax with an eye injury.

l Young York City shot-stopper Russell Howarth was called into international action last night - and kept a clean sheet in England Under-17s' 2-0 win in Luxembourg.

Howarth, who was the only third division player in the England squad which flew out to the Duchy, entered the fray early in the second half, replacing Rhys Evans between the sticks.

Evans' Chelsea team-mate, Leon Knight, and Sheffield Wednesday's Matthew Hampshaw got the goals.