York City sign John McGrath on loan as Jamie Reed heads to Cambridge United (From York Press)
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York City sign John McGrath on loan as Jamie Reed heads to Cambridge United
11:30am Tuesday 12th February 2013 in Sport
By Dave Flett, Sports reporter
NEW signing John McGrath is poised to go straight into York City’s starting line-up for tonight’s home match with League Two title contenders Gillingham.
Burton midfielder McGrath, who turns 33 next month, has signed on loan with the Minstermen until the end of the season.
But striker Jamie Reed will play no part in the rest of City’s campaign, having agreed loan terms with Blue Square Bet Premier outfit Cambridge United.
McGrath has scored 19 goals for Burton during 236 appearances but has found his first-team opportunities restricted this term after returning in November from nine months on the sidelines with a torn foot ligament.
He has made nine appearances, but only one start, since regaining fitness but has, otherwise, been a mainstay in the Brewers’ engine room for five-and-a-half years.
His last outing came during Saturday’s 2-0 home victory over Rotherham but City boss Gary Mills acted quickly when he learned that the former Aston Villa player had become available.
McGrath played for Tamworth under Mills, having started out at Villa, where he made two Premier League appearances at the age of 20 as a substitute for David Ginola and Paul Merson in respective matches against Liverpool and Bradford.
The Irishman has also plied his trade at Dagenham & Redbridge, Doncaster Rovers, Shrewsbury, Kidderminster Harriers, home-town Limerick and Weymouth in the past.
Former City boss Colin Walker, meanwhile, once tried to sign McGrath before he went on to help Burton win the Conference title in 2008/9, playing 48 games and scoring six goals during that campaign.
On McGrath’s arrival and Reed’s departure, City chief Mills said: “I’ve brought John McGrath in from Burton on loan until the end of the season.
“He’s an experienced League player and has skippered Burton at that level for a couple of seasons. He became available and I decided to go and get him.
“Jamie Reed has also gone to Cambridge until the end of the season. He wanted to leave and that situation has been going on for too long. It’s been rectified now and he won’t take any further part in our season.
City skipper Chris Smith, meanwhile, looks likely to miss this evening’s match with a foot problem.
As David McGurk (hamstring), Chris Doig (ankle) and Lanre Oyebanjo (head) are all currently sidelined, Smith’s absence could mean a rare chance for Dan Parslow in his once favoured position of centre-back.
Mills added: “Chris Smith is very doubtful with a foot injury and, while I’m not 100 per cent sure that he won’t be playing, I’m probably 75 per cent sure. David McGurk is still out as well so our obvious option is to put Dan Parslow back in there.
“That would not be an issue although things are not ideal for us because, at this moment in time, we’ve got Dave McGurk, Chris Doig, Lanre Oyebanjo and probably Chris Smith out injured now, which is a massive blow for us at the back.”
With his side having shipped four goals in each of their last two matches, Mills has also refused to rule out making several changes to his starting line-up.
He said: “You always have to look and see if you think it’s the right time to make changes.
“I have to think about what is the best team to beat Gillingham and, if that means changes, then there will be some because that’s my job.”
Prior to losing 4-0 at Wycombe and 4-1 against Morecambe, however, the Minstermen held Gillingham to a 1-1 draw at Priestfield and even led until the 85th minute so Mills knows his team are capable of bouncing back from their last two results.
“When we played them a couple of weeks ago, we were the better team,” he reasoned.
“We know how they play and will have to handle their direct approach to the game like we did at their place.
“I don’t need to remind the players how well they played against them last time out. We’ve just been going over a few things in training and the most important thing is that we get back to our best.”
Comments(59)
duffy
says...
5:03pm Mon 11 Feb 13
heartbreaker
says...
5:08pm Mon 11 Feb 13
Left back (vital!), striker, centre back (possibly 2), back up keeper to give Ingham some competion all needed in the summer but for now we just need to fight and survive with what we got unless some quality is available on loan. Hopefully this McGrath is decent...
nigthepig
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5:11pm Mon 11 Feb 13
YCFC am byth
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5:14pm Mon 11 Feb 13
Yorkie69
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5:15pm Mon 11 Feb 13
Dortmun
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5:16pm Mon 11 Feb 13
Fergie
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5:17pm Mon 11 Feb 13
A user
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5:17pm Mon 11 Feb 13
Welcome to York, John.
I also wish Jamie the very best at Cambridge. Personally, I just don't think he was given a good enough run in the team and was therefore inconsistent with his form.
bartsimmo
says...
5:26pm Mon 11 Feb 13
Reed is a big loss. always a loss to lose a goal scorer when your team is not scoring goals! SHOULD HAVE CHANGED THE SYSTEM MILLS TO STEADY THE SHIP AND GET SOME GOALS!!!
yorkonafork
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5:33pm Mon 11 Feb 13
Hope he does well for York.
duffy
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5:33pm Mon 11 Feb 13
bartsimmo wrote:But hopefully good enough to just keep us up this season. No one is kidding themself we are pushing for a play off place any longer, its all about survival.
Another league two misfit. He was good and yes we did try to sign him a couple of seasons ago but obviously has proved his unworth in this division with Burton now. His best days behind him, but hopefully he can do a job providing Mills plays him in his position and stops utilising his favourites that just simply are not doing it.
Reed is a big loss. always a loss to lose a goal scorer when your team is not scoring goals! SHOULD HAVE CHANGED THE SYSTEM MILLS TO STEADY THE SHIP AND GET SOME GOALS!!!
redbluelion
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5:37pm Mon 11 Feb 13
walker should be dropped but no chance of that...mills loves him too much..
OLD - HEAD
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5:38pm Mon 11 Feb 13
kirbylad
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5:43pm Mon 11 Feb 13
class of 84
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5:58pm Mon 11 Feb 13
YO1
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6:18pm Mon 11 Feb 13
redbluelion wrote:We need to strengthen midfield so we have brought in a midfielder. It's quite simple really.
this proves mills has lost the feeking plot sack him...why on earth another midfield
player FCOFL...its someone who can get us some goals we need...mills is now really starting to PMO...
YorkCityLuke
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6:19pm Mon 11 Feb 13
redbluelion wrote:So you're totally happy with our midfielders at the moment? It would surprise me if you were happy with anything about YCFC, but even by my 'happy clapper' standards the midfield is weak. Why not actually support the club rather than constantly undermining it? You complain about Mills not doing his job, but as a supporter you're doing a much worse one.
this proves mills has lost the feeking plot sack him...why on earth another midfield
player FCOFL...its someone who can get us some goals we need...mills is now really starting to PMO...
YCFC am byth
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6:33pm Mon 11 Feb 13
johnboy2882
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7:47pm Mon 11 Feb 13
Jo1971
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8:03pm Mon 11 Feb 13
rupertbehr
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8:04pm Mon 11 Feb 13
Pitbull Terry
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8:05pm Mon 11 Feb 13
Tug job
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8:21pm Mon 11 Feb 13
johnboy2882 wrote:Really? Where did you read that?
jamie reed is on loan to cambridgeutd until the end of the season
referee 1
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8:25pm Mon 11 Feb 13
Tug job
says...
8:31pm Mon 11 Feb 13
redbluelion wrote:It is proof that Mills has acted quickly to try and resolve the problem of our midfield having been outfought and outplayed in the last two games. Sounds reasonable enough to me. You don't know who else the club may be trying to recruit, although if you did you'd doubtless be having a go at them before they'd had a chance to show what they were capable of. Why don't you try supporting the team, for once, instead of always being so hostile? Has GM upset you, personally, in some way?
this proves mills has lost the feeking plot sack him...why on earth another midfield
player FCOFL...its someone who can get us some goals we need...mills is now really starting to PMO...
johnno65
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8:39pm Mon 11 Feb 13
tomwillo1
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8:40pm Mon 11 Feb 13
roobarb85
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8:47pm Mon 11 Feb 13
Why do we need another?
For those with long memories this reminds me of the finale of Ron Saunders' managerial career at Birmingham. Convinced that combative midfielders were essential, he packed the side with them ending up with Des Bremner (epitome of honest but uninspiring work horse) playing as a lone striker. It's not got that bad at Bootham yet!
But YCFC seems to be going the same way. Still let's shout them on tomorrow night, and hope for an OG, a pen and a few dodgy reffing decisions (we're owed) to see us through.
Helliwell's Not a Donkey
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8:51pm Mon 11 Feb 13
Tug job
says...
9:17pm Mon 11 Feb 13
Helliwell's Not a Donkey wrote:I remember that tackle well - plenty of hot air on here to reflate it, my own posts included!
I hope he drops Scott "I like going round in circles and losing the ball" Kerr, but he won't. I can see Potts making way, hopefully not Paddy. Can we persuade Nigel Pepper out of retirement, he would put the frighteners up anybody trying to get past him. He is the only person I know who has burst a ball with a tackle against Millwall in the early 90's
referee 1
says...
9:20pm Mon 11 Feb 13
so a experienced old head might be a good call at this level.the comment on jason walker is not so mad that could work has half of the time he plays deep and while its fact he aint going to score many goals at this league he dos graft and can hold the ball up i would like to see him play behind a front two,than a lone striker cause he has no chance the way we play
thirsky
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9:30pm Mon 11 Feb 13
Helliwell's Not a Donkey
says...
9:54pm Mon 11 Feb 13
Tug job wrote:If I remember rightly I think 2 balls burst that night.
Helliwell's Not a Donkey wrote:I remember that tackle well - plenty of hot air on here to reflate it, my own posts included!
I hope he drops Scott "I like going round in circles and losing the ball" Kerr, but he won't. I can see Potts making way, hopefully not Paddy. Can we persuade Nigel Pepper out of retirement, he would put the frighteners up anybody trying to get past him. He is the only person I know who has burst a ball with a tackle against Millwall in the early 90's
redbluelion
says...
10:09pm Mon 11 Feb 13
Tug job wrote:maybe he has.
redbluelion wrote: this proves mills has lost the feeking plot sack him...why on earth another midfield player FCOFL...its someone who can get us some goals we need...mills is now really starting to PMO...It is proof that Mills has acted quickly to try and resolve the problem of our midfield having been outfought and outplayed in the last two games. Sounds reasonable enough to me. You don't know who else the club may be trying to recruit, although if you did you'd doubtless be having a go at them before they'd had a chance to show what they were capable of. Why don't you try supporting the team, for once, instead of always being so hostile? Has GM upset you, personally, in some way?
openallhours
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10:17pm Mon 11 Feb 13
TerryYork
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10:25pm Mon 11 Feb 13
openallhours wrote:None. That's how many.
Its time for Barry Mills or whatever he calls himself to pack his bags. Wonder how many 'Mills out' banners we'll count tomorrow.
openallhours
says...
10:40pm Mon 11 Feb 13
TerryYork wrote:Barry Clapper are we?
openallhours wrote:None. That's how many.
Its time for Barry Mills or whatever he calls himself to pack his bags. Wonder how many 'Mills out' banners we'll count tomorrow.
andyjon12
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10:48pm Mon 11 Feb 13
andyjon12
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10:53pm Mon 11 Feb 13
Tug job
says...
10:54pm Mon 11 Feb 13
openallhours wrote:As opposed to a clap trapper?
TerryYork wrote:Barry Clapper are we?
openallhours wrote:None. That's how many.
Its time for Barry Mills or whatever he calls himself to pack his bags. Wonder how many 'Mills out' banners we'll count tomorrow.
openallhours
says...
11:01pm Mon 11 Feb 13
Tug job wrote:Oh hi Tug job. Did you post your analysis of Saturday's game? If you did I must of missed it.
openallhours wrote:As opposed to a clap trapper?
TerryYork wrote:Barry Clapper are we?
openallhours wrote:None. That's how many.
Its time for Barry Mills or whatever he calls himself to pack his bags. Wonder how many 'Mills out' banners we'll count tomorrow.
legend7
says...
11:11pm Mon 11 Feb 13
TerryYork wrote:thats a shame, id fill every empty space with them, MILLS' TIME IS UP HE SHOULD BE SACKED NOW he is going to take us down!!!!!!
openallhours wrote:None. That's how many.
Its time for Barry Mills or whatever he calls himself to pack his bags. Wonder how many 'Mills out' banners we'll count tomorrow.
thirsky
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11:21pm Mon 11 Feb 13
Head of Bomber Command
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2:35am Tue 12 Feb 13
RooBeck
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8:23am Tue 12 Feb 13
big mobe
says...
8:38am Tue 12 Feb 13
YorkCityLuke
says...
8:40am Tue 12 Feb 13
openallhours wrote:Do you have dementia or something? It might explain the unintelligible postings.
Its time for Barry Mills or whatever he calls himself to pack his bags. Wonder how many 'Mills out' banners we'll count tomorrow.
ADAMCUTHBERT
says...
8:47am Tue 12 Feb 13
I suspect the players are 'hurting' at the moment and will want to put things rite!
Tug job
says...
9:24am Tue 12 Feb 13
openallhours wrote:I did on Saturday evening on my PDA and, yes, even I was disappointed by the lack of effort!
Tug job wrote:Oh hi Tug job. Did you post your analysis of Saturday's game? If you did I must of missed it.openallhours wrote:As opposed to a clap trapper?TerryYork wrote:Barry Clapper are we?openallhours wrote: Its time for Barry Mills or whatever he calls himself to pack his bags. Wonder how many 'Mills out' banners we'll count tomorrow.None. That's how many.
openallhours
says...
9:25am Tue 12 Feb 13
YorkCityLuke wrote:Who are you?
openallhours wrote:Do you have dementia or something? It might explain the unintelligible postings.
Its time for Barry Mills or whatever he calls himself to pack his bags. Wonder how many 'Mills out' banners we'll count tomorrow.
Tug job
says...
9:28am Tue 12 Feb 13
big mobe wrote:Burton are battling for an automatic promotion place from Football League 2. There is a rumour going the rounds that a tall, muscular former City striker is about to return on loan until the end of the season.
another midfielder?-from the conference? there must be a decent( on loan )striker who needs games somewhere out there.its getting very difficult to make sense of what is happening at Bootham Cres, these days..
Tug job
says...
9:30am Tue 12 Feb 13
redbluelion wrote:Well if he has, why don't you man up and sort it out with him, rather than carrying out a vendetta against him on this site that bores everbody else.
Tug job wrote:maybe he has.redbluelion wrote: this proves mills has lost the feeking plot sack him...why on earth another midfield player FCOFL...its someone who can get us some goals we need...mills is now really starting to PMO...It is proof that Mills has acted quickly to try and resolve the problem of our midfield having been outfought and outplayed in the last two games. Sounds reasonable enough to me. You don't know who else the club may be trying to recruit, although if you did you'd doubtless be having a go at them before they'd had a chance to show what they were capable of. Why don't you try supporting the team, for once, instead of always being so hostile? Has GM upset you, personally, in some way?
96tommy
says...
9:33am Tue 12 Feb 13
From what I have heard, McGrath is sounding very promising, I forgot about us trying to sign him those few years ago. On a more imprtant matter however, I agree with Adam Cuthbert. I think we will go into the game with a bit of strength and show Gillingham what we are really made of. Yes, they may be a tough game to beat but I am sure any City fan would take a point out of this game, remember, they have been top for a good portion of the season. They played well at Bradford but I am fairly confident about tonights game (well was about the Morecambe game last week as well, I just hope I am correct tonight!)
I believe Mills still has a few games let to prove he is still fit as a manager to continue his job here at York, but if we lose to barnet on Saturday, I can't see it lasting much longer. Personally, I am happy to see him bring in a midfielder. Unfortunately, I couldn't make it to the Wycombe game but having watched the highlights, I am glad I didn't, despite how much I love the wonderful club. It is nice to have Chambers back as over the last few weeks, it has been evident that he has been a much missed member of the team. Our main priority in my eyes is the defence at the minute. I haven't been too impressed with Chris Smith in recent times but I still think he is a ver good player, an a great captain. In front of goal, Jason Walker is un-reliable at time but some of the goals he has scored this season could make the difference to us staying in the league, or dropping back down into the conference.
I hope to see as many City supporters as possible at the game tonight, support is vital at times like this. We are at a pivotal point at the season where we have to get as many points as possible. Their are not mnay points either way of us and a few wins could see us back in a healthy position.
MattYcfc
says...
10:17am Tue 12 Feb 13
tips
says...
10:22am Tue 12 Feb 13
Fat Harry
says...
10:27am Tue 12 Feb 13
At least part of the problem we've faced is that Walker hasn't been getting the service he needs from midfield, so can understand why Mills would want to boost that area.
However, he's just about run out of options, so if this doesn't work I'll be joining the chorus for a change of formation, but not a change of manager.
I'll be there tonight, shouting as loud as my ageing lungs will allow.
COYR
billoofyork
says...
10:30am Tue 12 Feb 13
96tommy wrote:'Chris Smith is a very good player and a great captain'.
Sad to see Reed go, he has provided many memories in his time at the club and I am sure he will be missed by many.
From what I have heard, McGrath is sounding very promising, I forgot about us trying to sign him those few years ago. On a more imprtant matter however, I agree with Adam Cuthbert. I think we will go into the game with a bit of strength and show Gillingham what we are really made of. Yes, they may be a tough game to beat but I am sure any City fan would take a point out of this game, remember, they have been top for a good portion of the season. They played well at Bradford but I am fairly confident about tonights game (well was about the Morecambe game last week as well, I just hope I am correct tonight!)
I believe Mills still has a few games let to prove he is still fit as a manager to continue his job here at York, but if we lose to barnet on Saturday, I can't see it lasting much longer. Personally, I am happy to see him bring in a midfielder. Unfortunately, I couldn't make it to the Wycombe game but having watched the highlights, I am glad I didn't, despite how much I love the wonderful club. It is nice to have Chambers back as over the last few weeks, it has been evident that he has been a much missed member of the team. Our main priority in my eyes is the defence at the minute. I haven't been too impressed with Chris Smith in recent times but I still think he is a ver good player, an a great captain. In front of goal, Jason Walker is un-reliable at time but some of the goals he has scored this season could make the difference to us staying in the league, or dropping back down into the conference.
I hope to see as many City supporters as possible at the game tonight, support is vital at times like this. We are at a pivotal point at the season where we have to get as many points as possible. Their are not mnay points either way of us and a few wins could see us back in a healthy position.
NO - he has been poor all season and thankfully has picked up a knock so, fingers crossed, will now be finally dropped from the squad.
A good captain encourages and leads by example. If you watch him closely during matches he berates his own players and passes the blame for his own ineptitude on to others around him.
Mills seems to not see his flaws yet many of us do. Hopefully back to the old guard of Parslow and TY at the back tonight with the 2 loanees at full backs.
Also, welcome back Michael Rankine. Won't score many but will hopefully be a handful and create space for the others around him
YoRkIe59
says...
2:09pm Tue 12 Feb 13

redbluelion says...
4:56pm Mon 11 Feb 13
player FCOFL...its someone who can get us some goals we need...mills is now really starting to PMO...