FORMER York City striker Paul Robinson is considering turning his back on football at the age of 26.

Robinson, who has agreed a financial settlement with the Minstermen over the remaining year of his contract, has just had an unsuccessful trial with Scottish Premier Division club Aberdeen.

And the ex-Newcastle United forward, famed for being preferred to Alan Shearer in the Toon's starting line-up for a Sunderland derby clash that cost then manager Ruud Gullit his job, has revealed that he could now retire from the game after his Pittodrie trip reaped no reward.

Robinson previously considered quitting football during a disastrous £1.5million move to Wimbledon, where he failed to make a League start in three years.

He rebuilt his career at Hartlepool in League One but only managed two goals in 38 appearances for the Minstermen last season and is now considering alternative employment.

"I'm a bit disillusioned with football and I might not play again," Robinson told the Evening Press. "I can't see the point of playing for all the wrong reasons.

"I would like to wake up in the morning with no pressure on my shoulders. It would be a tragedy in many ways because I've been in the game for ten years and have been lucky enough to have been given football ability but I have thought about calling it a day and I will go out to work if I have to.

"I will get a job, it's as simple as that."

Robinson turned down the offer of a two-year contract at Scottish first division side Ross County because of the long distance from his North-Eastern roots.

He has also accepted less than the full year's salary he was due at KitKat Crescent to end his City career, saying: "It was pointless me staying somewhere where I'm not going to play and all I needed was a bit of money to tide me over until I get sorted with something.

"I'm disappointed with how it ended as I wanted to do well for the club for two years but it did not pan out as well as I would have liked. There are no hard feelings though. I know football is a business and I wish the lads all the best for this season."

Robinson believes City can fare well under Billy McEwan during 2005/2006 but feels that some of the club's released experienced players might be missed.

He said: "It's a young side and they are a lot fitter and stronger but I think older heads like Kevin Donovan and Steve Davis will be difficult to replace."

Updated: 10:25 Thursday, August 04, 2005