LOAN signing Jon Newby has left relegated York City to rejoin Huddersfield Town's fight for promotion.

Newby, 25, completed his one-month stay after Saturday's 3-1 defeat at Doncaster condemned the Minstermen to Conference football.

But the ex-Liverpool striker could now play a part in helping Huddersfield bounce back to the Second Division after returning to the McAlpine Stadium.

The Terriers are currently three points clear of fourth-placed Torquay with two games to go.

Player-boss Chris Brass was pleased with Newby's form during his four weeks at Bootham Crescent but admits the club's failure to beat the drop now means a permanent deal is unlikely.

The City manager said: "I thanked Jon because he's someone who did quite well for us and, had we stayed in the division, we would probably have looked to have done something with him. Unfortunately, we have to make decisions with regards to getting out of the Conference and we would possibly not be able to compete in terms of wages.

"He was gutted that we went down but now he could find himself relegated and promoted in the same week. I know they have got one or two suspensions and, if they pick up one or two injuries, I'm sure he would be needed and would do a good job."

Newby failed to score in any of his seven Minstermen appearances but impressed with his pace and work-rate.

He has now only netted once in his last 50 matches and became the latest in a disappointing line of shot-shy loan strikers who failed to deliver goals.

Dean Crowe (five games), Richard Offiong (four), Jon Shaw (eight) and short-term signing Gary Browne (six) all departed City after failing to register on the scoresheet.

That represents a sorry combined tally of 30 blank matches from the misfiring quintet and Brass emphasised his intention to avoid relying on short-term signings for goals next season. His main summer priority is the signature of a proven marksman.

He did absolve Sheffield Wednesday striker Shaw of any criticism, adding that the powerful 20-year-old could be well-suited to Conference football.

Brass said: "I've certainly found out about people. One who did well for us was Jon Shaw. Unfortunately he did not get the goals.

"The others let themselves down which ultimately let us down. They performed well in the reserves but, when it came to the crunch, they did not do it.

"It was a route that we had to go down this season and I thank the clubs for helping us out financially but I am hoping now that we won't have to be reliant on loan strikers in the future."

About a possible return for Shaw, Brass added: "It depends on what happens at Sheffield Wednesday, where he could be out of contract. He's certainly somebody we would welcome because he's a big, strong lad and we have got to make sure we are physical enough for the Conference."

Updated: 11:22 Wednesday, April 28, 2004