RELEASED York City stalwart Scott Barrow has made his previous loan stint at Darlington into a permanent stay.

After a memorable four year stint in North Yorkshire, Barrow was announced as one of the three players to be leaving York as a free agent upon the expiry of their contract, as part of the club's retained list. 

Barrow issued a heartfelt goodbye message to the City supporters following his departure, receiving the best wishes of the York supporters. 

The 35-year-old has since made the permanent switch to Vanarama National League North outfit Darlington, having enjoyed a loan spell with the Quakers at the backend of the 2023/24 campaign. 

Barrow re-unites with former City manager Steve Watson, who was in charge of the Minstermen from 2019 to 2021, after the Darlington boss helped guide his side to a dramatic great escape in the sixth tier, with relegation looming for the North-East outfit. 

The left-back signed for York in 2020 after making over 100 appearances with Gateshead, brought in by Watson, who had also made the switch from the Heed.

A horror cruciate ligament injury saw Barrow miss the entirety of the 2022/23 season, York's first one back in the Vanarama National League, after Barrow had played a pivotal role in the club's play-off promotion from the National League North. 

Scott Barrow has made his Darlington move permanent.Scott Barrow has made his Darlington move permanent. (Image: Tom Poole)

The 2-0 triumph over Boston United was clouded by Barrow's injury, which would begin a difficult period for the defender. 

York continued to support Barrow throughout his injury with the 34-year-old aiding both John Askey and Mikey Morton during their tenures as manager, as well as often taking part in commentary duties alongside BBC York.

In July 2023, Barrow signed an initial one-year contract extension with a view of potentially returning from injury, and would make one appearance when playing 28 minutes in City's 0-0 draw with Chester in the Emirates FA Cup first round.

York allowed Barrow to join Darlington in order to gain valuable first-team fitness, where he would appear 19 times under Watson. 

In total, Barrow made over 50 appearance for York, with injuries hampering the majority of his City stint. 

Speaking on his move to Darlington, Barrow enthused: "I'm over the moon, last year I loved my time when I was on loan.

"It was very enjoyable, I know that the first half of the season wasn't, especially for me.

"You made me welcome, with open arms, the players, the staff, I've known Steve for a long, long time, but also the fans as well.

"He told me that he wanted me to come back and it took us time to be honest, but I'm glad to get it over the line for another season, and on a permanent this time."

Watson also expressed his delight at welcoming Barrow back to the club, telling the club media team: "We're delighted to get Scotty finally signed up.

"He made a huge impact on the team when he came in last season, he showed great experience and composure on the pitch at both left-back and centre-half."