GERRY Harrison is enjoying a new lease of life at York City after having a close brush with death in April.

The 32-year-old midfielder, who made his Minstermen debut as a second half substitute at Dagenham on Saturday after signing non-contract terms, suffered a perforated ulcer earlier this year which almost killed him.

Harrison was rushed to hospital for emergency treatment which saved his life and he is now hoping to revive his football career at Bootham Crescent.

"I had a slight pain in my stomach and did not think anything of it," Harrison told the Evening Press.

"But I was just at home on a Sunday afternoon and the ulcer burst. I had to have an operation and was told I would have definitely died if it had not been treated straight away.

"I was in hospital for two weeks and had 11 weeks of doing absolutely nothing.

"I do a lot of sports, not just football, so I was pretty upset but I had to listen to what the doctor said.

"It's taken a while for my stomach to get back right but it's OK now and I just need games to get match fit."

Harrison praised the support he has had from City player-manager Chris Brass, a former team-mate at Burnley.

"The gaffer has been brilliant and has not rushed me, hence why I'm still here after a seven-week trial.

"He obviously feels I might be able to contribute something to York City Football Club and I don't feel like I'm finished yet. I've been seeing whether my body could take full-time football again and it can. Now, I just want to get going again."

Harrison has volunteered to play for City for nothing in a bid to prove his worth to Brass and the board.

He is hoping to earn himself a permanent contract but declined to comment on how long he could afford to wait for a deal, simply saying: "I don't know whether I would have travelled from Burnley every day without being paid for another manager.

"But I know the gaffer personally and, just from playing with him at Burnley, I know all about his commitment levels not just towards football but also towards life. He's fully committed and that's the sort of person that gets the best out of me.

"I would like to think that I would never let him down if I get to wear a York City shirt again.

"Playing for nothing is also a great way for the board to have a look at me as I totally appreciate that money is a bit tight at the moment."

Harrison, who also contracted hepatitis while at Sunderland four years ago, is now ready to put his health problems to one side.

He also took an 18-month break because he was disillusioned with the game after leaving the Stadium of Light but has vast Conference experience, having played for Leigh RMI for the last two-and-a-half seasons.

Money problems caused him to leave the Lancashire club in the summer and he will now be hoping that financial considerations do not prevent him from playing a part in the Minstermen's future.

Updated: 10:33 Wednesday, September 08, 2004