JON Parkin was poised to make his debut for Macclesfield Town this afternoon after joining the Silkmen from York City.

His switch to the Cheshire club was confirmed late yesterday and he was expected to feature in the Third Division basement clash at Moss Rose against basement club Carlisle.

Parkin has signed an 18-month deal and although City will receive no fee for the striker-cum-defender they have inserted a sell-on clause with City getting a third of any money if he leaves Moss Rose.

Barnsley-born Parkin, 22, netted ten league goals last season in 41 games, but missed the start of this campaign through injury and suspension.

He made just nine senior starts this term, scoring twice, but has not started a game since the 2-1 defeat at Northampton a month ago, when he scored an own goal.

It is believed Parkin, who would have been out of contract next season, was among the higher wage earners at Bootham Crescent, and City would not be able to match the terms offered by Macclesfield. They also have a £60,000 bill from the aborted Huntington Stadium move.

City boss Chris Brass explained: "We've come to an arrangement with a package which works for both us and Macclesfield. In the circumstances we're in we have to be fair to Jon and to York City.

"Jon would have left in the summer for nothing and we would not have been in a position to offer the deal he's on now. I told him there was interest from Macclesfield and they were able to offer him a better financial package. It is frustrating but I had to be honest with Jon.

"He's had a bit of stop-start season and feels the challenge was right. He goes with our best wishes."

Brass did not rule out signing a replacement - albeit on lower wages.

Updated: 09:59 Saturday, February 21, 2004