While Matt Uggla’s decision to relieve Michael Morton of his managerial duties on Monday may dominate headlines this week, there may yet be some hope of better days ahead for the Minstermen. This weekend saw a host of players coming in and out of the door with the hope of adding much needed competition to the struggling side — bringing their total transfer business to 17 incomings this summer.
Incomings:
Jack Stott – loan move from Middlesborough
The highly rated 19-year-old midfielder joins from Championship outfit Middlesborough for the rest of the year.
It’s a first move away from Teeside for Stott, who joined Boro at Under 9 level, and has gone on to captain his side at Premier League 2 level.
The fight for a position amongst City’s packed ranks will be all the first team experience Scott needs and his quality will be a difference maker as the Minstermen bid to turn their season around.
Daniel Batty – free transfer from Fleetwood Town
The experienced 25-year-old has put pen to paper on a three-year-deal, having featured 58 times in the Championship and 81 times at League One level with both Hull City and Fleetwood Town.
Having started his career at the Leeds United Academy, Batty has played in big games across England’s top few divisions— even featuring in an FA Cup match against Chelsea in 2017. His major breakthrough came in the 2018/19 season under experienced manager Nigel Adkins at Hull City, making 27 Championship appearances as the Tigers flirted with a play-off push.
Rory Watson – free transfer from Doncaster Rovers
The 27-year-old goalkeeper has put pen to paper on a deal until the end of the season with the Minstermen to play as backup for Ryan Shipley while David Stockade is out injured.
The York-born shotstopper will hope that his arrival at the LNER Community Stadium is the beginning of a fairytale chapter — having begun his professional career at Leeds United after being scouted while playing for local club Bishopthorpe White Rose. He then went on to play at Hull City’s Academy but is now finally returning home to play for the Minstermen.
Watson spent last season with National League champions Wrexham, having joined from Scunthorpe United where he made more than 100 appearances across League One and Two.
It was at Scunthorpe where he played his best football — Rory clocked up over 100 competitive appearances for the Iron across a five-year spell and picked up six end of season accolades, including the Ernie Storey Memorial Player of the Season for 2021-22.
Departures:
Finlay Barnes – loan move to Darlington until November.
Midfielder Finlay Barnes has joined National League North side Darlington on a one-month loan.
The 22-year-old midfielder will be available for selection this Saturday by manager Alun Armstrong, whose side travel to Derbyshire to face Alfreton.
Cedric Main – loan move to Blyth Spartans until January 1st.
The 26-year-old striker returns to Croft Park and will be available for selection this Saturday by manager Graham Fenton, whose side travel to Buxton.
Main was the Minstermen’s second signing of the summer so far, initially acquired from Blyth Spartans after the attacker notched 16 goal contributions last season.
Head to www.yorkcityfootballclub.co.uk for the latest news throughout the season.
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