York City hope to stiffen their defence by signing Halifax Town kingpin Mark Sertori.

City manager Neil Thompson contacted his Town counterpart Mark Lillis over a £20,000 move for the commanding centre-back, who two days ago celebrated his 32nd birthday.

If the deal goes through in time today, the rugged Sertori will go straight into the Minstermen's ranks tomorrow for the first of several Yorkshire derbies starting at Rotherham United.

Thompson has had the 6ft 2in tall defender watched several times and himself ran the rule over his target in midweek when Sertori starred in the Shaymen's 2-0 defeat of Torquay United.

Said Thompson: "He is big, he is physical and he has a presence. He also knows this division. That's what we have been missing, someone who can impose themselves and be a leader on the park."

Manchester-born Sertori would fit that bill, insisted Thompson of a man, who has made 305 League appearances since making his debut for Stockport County 13 seasons ago.

Since then he has had spells at Lincoln City (50 League games, nine goals), Wrexham (110, 3), Bury (13, 1), and Scunthorpe (83, 2). He joined Halifax two seasons ago when he was at the heart of their Conference championship success.

So far he has been an ever-present in Halifax's five games this term, but with youngsters coming through at The Shay manager Lillis may agree to City's overture.

The arrival of Sertori would provide a harder edge to City, who have been unable to cope with the more physical demands of the lower orders, said Thompson.

"It's been a shock to the system, a culture shock, and the Barnet game brought that home.

"You don't know what it's like until you are in it. Our five games have shown us that.

"But now it's been identified it was time to bring someone in who is physically strong. We've got a lot of nice players and a lot of nice footballers, but we need someone with an edge."

Thompson's recruitment drive may not end with Sertori, the manager adding that he was looking to increase the 'toughness' quotient of his squad.

But for the trip to Millmoor he was aware that City had to quickly stop the haemorrhaging of goals and points, especially with tomorrow's outing the first of four potentially tough fixtures.

However he espied ways of profit from the clash against the Merry Millers.

"They are a side who can score freely yet they also concede regularly. It all depends on what day you catch them on. It's up to us to impose ourselves."

Rotherham manager Ronnie Moore read the riot act to his side after a poor showing against Hull City two weeks ago. It's had the desired effect.

Over the holiday weekend they shattered Shrewsbury 4-0 - the goals coming in the opening 33 minutes - and then snared a point from a 1-1 draw at Macclesfield.

They have a doubt over Rob Scott. His hip injury may let in Chris Sedgwick or youngster Jamie Ingledow, who pocketed a hat-trick in a reserves' match this week.

City's Youth Alliance game at home to Grimsby Town will be played at Bootham Crescent tomorrow, kick-off 11am.

Check out our web-site and click on www.thisisyork.co.uk on Sunday afternoon to read Tony Kelly's match report on City's game at Rotherham.

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