YORK City assistant manager Adie Shaw today insisted the Minstermen will not be rushed into the transfer market as the exit door continues to revolve at Bootham Crescent.

As revealed in yesterday's Evening Press, midfielder Craig Skinner has departed Bootham Crescent after having his contract cancelled by mutual consent.

His face was a notable absence as the City first-team squad, now trimmed to less than 20 players, gathered at Bootham Crescent earlier today for the club's pre-season photo-call.

Skinner's going is a relief to City chief Terry Dolan, who had wanted to unload the injury prone 30-year-old for more than a year.

And with Barry Conlon's departure to Darlington last week, it gives the City manager yet more space to bring in fresh blood ahead of the new campaign.

Dolan, whose first-team squad now numbers 19, has already indicated a left-sided midfielder and a striker remain top of his priorities.

And the fact City are still looking to bring in fresh faces was emphasised by today's publication of the squad numbers - the number 12 shirt has been left vacant.

However, Shaw today insisted there was no sense of panic and City were willing to play a waiting game in order to get the right players for the job.

He said: "With Craig going it does give us a little bit more space again but we are not going to be rushed into anything. There are obviously players we are looking at - we have a Greek and an Australian on trial at the moment.

"But we want to make sure we get it right and there is plenty of time before the season starts."

Shaw added: "I think it is good for both parties that Craig has gone and has a chance to get his career going somewhere else.

"It didn't work out for him here but we wish him all the best."

Earlier this year, Skinner, who failed to make a first team appearance last season and started just four games in his entire City career, had his contract terminated by the Minstermen but won his appeal against his sacking at a tribunal.

He joined City in March 1999 from Wrexham for a fee of around £20,000 but made only ten appearances in total.

Former City loan player Kieron Durkan today moved from Macclesfield Town to Rochdale.

The 27-year-old winger, who spent a spell on loan at Bootham Crescent last season has signed a two-year deal at Spotland having moved from the Silkmen on a Bosman free transfer.

City squad numbers

2001/02

1 Alan Fettis,

2 Darren Edmondson,

3 Graham Potter,

4 Richard Cooper,

5 Mike Basham,

6 Gary Hobson,

7 Chris Brass (captain),

8 Lee Bullock,

9 Lee Nogan,

10 Peter Duffield,

11 Alex Mathie,

12 vacant,

13 Russell Howarth,

14 Chris Smith,

15 Nick Richardson,

16 Matt Hocking,

17 Christian Fox,

18 Neville Stamp,

19 Marc Thompson,

20 John Fielding.

(pictured above:- From left to right, back row: Paul Stancliffe (head of youth development), Marc Thompson, Chris Smith, John Fielding, Graham Potter, Nick Richardson, Lee Bullock, Alex Mathie, Brian Neaves (youth coach); middle row: Christian Fox, Darren Edmondson, Mike Basham, Alan Fettis, Russell Howarth, Gary Hobson, Matt Hocking, Neville Stamp; front row: Richard Cooper, Chris Brass (captain), Adie Shaw (assistant manager), Terry Dolan (manager), Jeff Miller (physiotherapist), Lee Nogan, Peter Duffield.)

Updated: 15:35 Tuesday, July 10, 2001