LIFE in the basement need not always be biff-bang wallop, according to new York City player-boss Chris Brass.

Outlining his footballing philosophy ahead of the new season, the new Minstermen supremo wants to follow the lead of the teams that won promotion from Division Three last time out and show there is a place for style and assured distribution.

In doing so, Brass (pictured) has echoed the sentiments of his assistant, Lee Nogan, who last month also spoke of his desire for passing and passion to permeate the City ranks.

"If we are going to have a small squad we may have to be flexible," insisted Brass.

"But both myself and Lee are believers in football and trying to play a passing game and that's the way I'd like to develop the team."

He added: "I think when you keep possession you don't give much away. Lose possession at any level and you get punished for your mistakes.

"Hopefully, we will keep the ball and entertain people. On our day last season, we played some good football and as a player it was better to play in those games, as a manager I'm sure it makes it easier to manage and as a spectator it's what you want to see.

"If you look at the teams that got promoted (Rushden & Diamonds, Hartlepool, Wrexham and Bournemouth), you have to be honest and say they played the better football.

"They certainly didn't resort to what could be described as stereotypical Third Division football."

City's hopes of signing Steve Davis have ended with the news the former Burnley skipper has signed a two-year deal with Second Division Blackpool.

Updated: 10:48 Thursday, July 03, 2003