YORK City defender Matt Fry’s contract has been cancelled by mutual consent.

Following a series of knee surgeries, the 27-year-old is quitting full-time football on medical advice.

Fry signed for the Minstermen in June 2016, scoring three goals in 22 appearances. His last outing came away to Dover Athletic in January, prior to the club's relegation from the National League.

Fry said: "To watch the end of last season and not be able to contribute was hugely disappointing for me.

"I gave up a job in accountancy when City came calling because I felt it was a fantastic opportunity. I moved four hours away from my home in Kent but it was a sacrifice I was willing to take because of the size of this club.

"I viewed it as my last chance in professional football and I still felt I had five or six seasons to progress. But unfortunately, although I have given it everything, it hasn't worked out due to the injury.”

The Gravesend & Northfleet youth product added: "It's a difficult decision but, following discussions with a specialist after my latest knee operation, I have been advised that full-time football is no longer best for me." 

Fry’s pro career started at West Ham United, where he signed his first contract in June 2009.

He was sent out on loan to Gillingham until December that year, but suffered a knee injury which ruled him out for six weeks. A subsequent loan stint at Charlton Athletic until the end of the season passed without an appearance.

He returned on loan to Valley Parade for the 2010/11 season, and scored one goal in 32 appearances.

The highlight of his career, he says, was going up against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane in the FA Cup third round in 2011, despite the Addicks’ 3-0 loss.

The defender joined Bradford City in February 2012 after having his contract at Upton Park cancelled by mutual consent, making six appearances, before moving around the southern non-League scene with the likes of Concord Rangers, Dartford, Chelmsford City, Eastleigh and Braintree Town. He helped Braintree reach the National League play-off semi-finals in 2015/16 before his move to Bootham Crescent.

Fry added: "I wish the players and management all the best and I hope they get promoted this season - before going even further next season."