DARLINGTON defender David McGurk has rejoined York City in a six-month loan deal.

McGurk, 22, played for the Minstermen in the second half of last night's 2-1 friendly victory over Sheffield Wednesday and has agreed to a second temporary stay at KitKat Crescent.

The 6ft centre-back made seven appearances for City last autumn before being recalled by Darlington and featuring in ten first team games during the remainder of the 2004/2005 season.

But his senior opportunities are once more looking limited at the League Two club so David Hodgson has sanctioned the loan move.

City boss Billy McEwan said: "He's coming in to help us because we are a little bit short in the defensive area. He will give us added competition and a bit of League experience.

"I gather he played well here last season and the North-East scouts that I know have given him good reports. Darlington are doing us a favour and we are doing them one.

"They have signed a new centre-half and the boy isn't going to play so he can come here and get regular football if he does his stuff."

But former Darlington striker Paul Robinson has now left KitKat Crescent after agreeing a financial settlement over the final year of his contract that was suitable for both parties.

McEwan said: "We wish Paul all the best and, hopefully, he will get himself sorted out. I don't think he has a new club and he's been a bit unlucky here but that's football I'm afraid.

"An agreement has been reached and I think it's been a good bit of business for the boy and for the club."

McEwan will now decide the future of the club's trialists in the coming days.

Right-back Jamie Price and midfielder Emmanuel Panther were given the full 90 minutes against Wednesday.

Defender James Dudgeon scored the first City goal before being substituted at the break and right-sided midfielder Ryan Mallon also started the match but limped off early in the second half after taking a knock on his hip.

Former Bradford City striker Danny Ekoku and ex-Azerbaijan Under-21 international Farhad Afandiyev also made second-half appearances.

Afterwards, McEwan said: "There are a few that I am close to making my mind up on and we will sit down with them in the next few days and after I have spoken to the board, make a final decision.

"Pricey came in and did all right considering he's not been working with us for a while. He showed quality on the ball. Panther can do better but we were changing systems a little bit."

Updated: 10:56 Tuesday, August 02, 2005