SCOTTISH striker Alex Mathie was the big name casualty as the Supporters' Trust began their cost-cutting measures at the club.

It had been widely rumoured that the Minstermen would have to trim their squad this week, to attempt to clear their crippling wage bill.

One-time Celtic winger Mathie heads the list leaving Bootham Crescent, along with Mike Basham, Aiden O'Kane and James Okoli. All had their contracts cancelled by mutual consent.

Mathie, 34, has been a disappointment for City since joining on a free transfer from Dundee United in 2000, with injuries blighting his time at the club. Having played in the Premiership with Newcastle, and shone at Ipswich, it had hoped Mathie could help propel City up the league rankings, but he managed just three goals in 26 starts and 26 sub appearances over three seasons.

This year, Mathie has started just twice - against Rushden and Diamonds and Darlington, being subbed on both occasions.

Following Mathie out the door is defender Okoli, less than nine months after signing for the club - on the advice of former coach Luther Blissett.

Okoli, who had played for Motherwell in the Scottish Premier League, managed just one League start -- the opening game of the season - and one appearance in the LDV Vans Trophy.

The departure of O'Kane was virtually set up this week, with the Northern Irish winger heading to Scarborough on trial.

Belfast-born O'Kane, 23, has struggled to hammer down a regular starting spot since arriving from Cliftonville on 2001.

Basham's exit has been coming for some time, with the centre-half being loaned to Chelmsford earlier this season. He managed managed three goals in 36 appearances since joining City in March 2001.

Updated: 11:42 Friday, March 28, 2003