FORMER York City striker Paul Barnes has retired from football.

Barnes has made the decision just weeks after signing for Conference North club Alfreton Town because of a knee problem and work commitments.

The 37-year-old forward netted 85 goals in 178 starts for the Minstermen between 1992 and 1996.

Barnes was a member of the 1993 Wembley play-off final team and also scored two goals in the famous 3-0 League Cup victory at Manchester United two years later.

He joined the Minstermen from Stoke City in a £50,000 deal and left Bootham Crescent for £350,000 to sign for Birmingham.

Barnes spent last season at Alfreton's Conference North rivals Hucknall Town.

Meanwhile, another high-profile ex-City striker is in demand.

Preston's Richard Cresswell is wanted by Sheffield United boss Neil Warnock should Blades' forward Andy Gray quit Bramall Lane for Sunderland.

Gray has expressed his interest in a £1million move to the Premiership with the Blacks Cats.

That deal seems likely to go through, possoibly today, so Warnock has tabled a £700,000 bis for the 27-year-old Cresswell, who began his career at Bootham Crescent.

Preston have rejected United's bid and said that Cresswell, who played in last nights' 1-1 draw at Derby, is not for sale.

It is not clear if United will increase their bid.

Updated: 10:04 Tuesday, August 09, 2005