LEIGH Wood has followed strikers Liam George and Andy Bell out of Bootham Crescent to become the 11th player released by City boss Chris Brass in the last fortnight.

Defender Stuart Wise has also been warned that he will join the cull unless he sheds weight over the summer and improves his fitness levels.

But Richard Hope and Dave Merris have both been offered and agreed new terms.

Centre-back Hope will put pen to paper on a two-year contract with Merris due to sign a 12-month deal.

Wood, 20, almost earned a reprieve following a solid display at Swansea when Wise's pulled muscle in his backside handed him one last chance to impress as a centre-back.

But Brass based his decision over the Selby-born utility man's future over his performances in the previous two months.

The City manager said: "The decision over Leigh was a difficult one because he put in a great performance on Saturday. He has ability but it has to be produced on a consistent basis week in, week out.

"I have to operate with a small squad and a small budget. He's a good lad though and I'm sure he will get another club.

"He could come back for pre-season training here if he doesn't but, at the moment, I can't give him anything. By his own admission, he has fallen short in recent months which was quite frustrating as he's an honest player but these are the ruthless decisions I have to make."

Wise will be invited back for pre-season training but only offered a contract if he follows a strict fitness programme that has been designed for him over the summer break.

Brass said: "Stuart had a tremendous start to the season but then there was a four-month gap when he struggled with his mental attitude. He bounced back in the last two months but his fitness levels are not good enough.

"He's fully aware of that and has been given a programme that he will have to follow over the summer. Then, if he comes back to training up to scratch, we will talk about a new deal. If not, he knows we can't afford any passengers."

Hope and Merris will join Brass, Lee Nogan, Darren Dunning and Chris Porter on next season's wage bill with teenagers the only other players from the current squad contracted beyond this summer.

The City boss said: "Richard Hope has done really well and has been one of our most consistent performers. He got off to a bit of a slow start which is why we initially offered him a short-term deal but he's impressed since. He's a character and he gives us a physical presence which was seen against Swansea.

"Dave Merris was unfortunate in that he suffered from the fact that we did not have anybody to replace him at Christmas to give him a rest in his first season back as a full-time player. But he showed enough promise at the start of the season to deserve his contract.

"He still needs to improve and it's an important 12 months for him but I know that he's prepared to work hard for it."

George and Bell's futures appeared to have been decided before Saturday's final game at Swansea where Brass preferred attackers Lev Yalcin, Adam Arthur and Bryan Stewart in the starting line-up.

Brass said: "Liam George was unfortunate with injury after doing quite well at the start of the season but it really boils down to getting more of a physical presence up front. Had we stayed in the division he would have had more of a chance but he would still have only been a squad player and, as one of our higher wage earners, he would need to be playing week in, week out.

"Andy Bell did well in his first month and then got comfortable. You can't afford to do that because of the ruthlessness of this business and he's got to live and learn now.

"I thought there was more to come from him but you can't just turn it on and then turn it off."

Updated: 10:46 Tuesday, May 11, 2004