YAN Klukowski has left York City to stay in the National League with Torquay United.

The 30-year-old midfielder, who was converted into a centre back last season, has been allowed to move on despite having a year left to run on his Bootham Crescent contract.

Klukowski made 29 starts and three substitute outings following his arrival from Newport last summer.

He also scored three goals and, having missed the last weeks of the league season with calf trouble, was recalled for the 3-2 FA Trophy final victory over Macclesfield, only to be withdrawn at half-time after struggling under the Wembley arch.

The former Forest Green utility man has become the Devon club’s ninth summer signing with Gulls boss and former Scarborough left-back Kevin Nicholson saying: "Yan is another experienced player at this level. He is a strong guy who can play anywhere down the spine of the team.

“He brings a real goal threat from midfield and he is very good aerially in both boxes. He will be a very strong leader in the group.”

Klukowski’s departure means City boss Gary Mills currently has a squad of 12 senior professionals, not including those on the transfer list.

They are Hamza Bencherif, Aidan Connolly, Matt Fry, Simon Heslop, Clovis Kamdjo, Adriano Moke, Sam Muggleton, Sean Newton, Jon Parkin, Michael Rankine, Connor Smith and Jon Worsnop.

Vadaine Oliver and Alex Whittle, meanwhile, remain on the books despite having been granted permission to move on.

Unwanted quintet Luke Simpson, Ben Barber, Ben Clappison, Kaine Felix and Jack Higgins are under contract too, but will not be considered for selection and have been told to seek new employers.