City are under a transfer freeze until a new man takes the helm.

With chairman Julian Rhodes holding out for definite news over Stuart McCall, nobody is in a position to start beefing up the squad.

But the growing uncertainty about Neil Warnock's future at Sheffield United - and where that would leave his number two McCall - is likely to become clearer at a press conference at Bramall Lane tomorrow morning.

There is currently a feeling of frustration at Valley Parade as City plan their rebuilding programme for League Two.

Caretaker-boss David Wetherall, firmly in the frame to take over if McCall stays at relegated United, admits his hands are tied over new players.

Wetherall said: "Everything is on ice. Nothing can happen or will happen with anybody until first of all the club appoint a manager and secondly the player budget is sorted.

"I'm still doing some research on players but can't take it anywhere really. My life is on hold but that's part of the situation at the club at this moment."

Steve Schumacher, Marc Bridge-Wilkinson, Richard Edghill and Xavier Barrau are still unsure whether they will be wanted next season.

Wetherall said: "Friday is the next deadline because we've got to have our retained list drawn up. By then we've got to make offers to people like Schuey if we want to keep them.

"The frustrating part, as I'm sure it is for everybody, is seeing players, including some we've enquired about, getting signed up by other clubs. We're not in a position to do that.

"But I understand the reasons. Julian has to make sure that everything is put in place - he isn't delaying just to be awkward.

"What would be the point of me bringing someone in and then a new manager arrives and doesn't rate that particular player?

"We've just got to sit tight and let those reasons work their way through."

City have confirmed five pre-season friendlies against non-league opposition, including the traditional trip to Blue Square Premier new boys Farsley.

They are also hopeful of slotting in two home games before the League Two campaign kicks off on August 11.

Friendlies: July 16, Harrogate Town A; July 18, Farsley Celtic A; July 21, North Ferriby A; July 28, York A; August 4, Halifax A.

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