Martin Garratt is trying to resurrect his troubled career at York City's Division Three rivals Mansfield Town.

The once highly-rated midfielder, beset by undisclosed problems for much of the current campaign, is on trial with Bill Dearden's Stags where he links up with former City 'keeper Bobby Mimms.

Last month, York manager Terry Dolan revealed Garratt, 20, had been the subject of an "internal disciplinary matter" at Bootham Crescent but refused to say what action had been taken.

The club also declined to comment on speculation that Garratt's contract had been terminated for a serious breach of club rules.

However, the Evening Press understands City were unable to announce Garratt - once rated at around £1million - had been released while the Middle-sbrough-born youngster sought advice from the Professional Footballers' Association.

Garratt's Bootham Crescent demise will sadden many when last season he was one of the few players to emerge from City's crushing relegation with credit.

His fine form led to a trial spell with Leeds United while Blackburn Rovers and Sheffield Wednesday were also believed to be keeping tabs on the youngster's progress.

However, this campaign has proved a very different story.

Garratt started just two league games before being given leave by the club in the autumn last year suffering from 'personal problems'.

After not featuring in the first team squad since November, he returned to first team training before Christmas and was pressing for a senior recall.

However, he came off just minutes into a City reserve match at Notts County suffering from a back injury.

The club continued to offer support and understanding as the player struggled to overcome health-related problems and it was announced he had been referred to a hospital consultant.

Garratt seemed to be making good progress after making a number of appearances in the reserves but then came his latest indiscretion.

Reports speculated Garratt had broken his contract by playing for a pub team although the Evening Press understands the youngster was actually training with a local junior side

The club have yet to reveal the reasons behind the termination of his contract.

Garratt attended City's School of Excellence and signed youth forms in 1996.

He turned professional two years later and made his debut at the start of the 1998-99 campaign.

Garratt made 51 appearances for City scoring just once, in the 2-2 draw with Stoke City last year.

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