THE dispute between former skipper Chris Fairclough and York City has been settled, the Evening Press can reveal.

As reported earlier this month, the 36-year-old was unhappy at the club's decision to terminate his contract and had put the matter in the hands of the Professional Footballers' Association.

The situation has been resolved, with the club paying up the remainder of the former Leeds United player's contract, which was due to expire on June 30.

The central defender, who did not play for City this season following summer surgery and various injury niggles, conceded that the club had previously offered to pay up his contract before terminating it.

But while he strove to overcome his injury problems he felt it was in his best interests to reject their offer and he remains disappointed at the way his City career was ended by the club.

"The matter is now closed as far as I'm concerned," he said.

"In all fairness, the club did say they would pay up my contract, but I was not happy with the way it left me coming back from Lilleshall with a fitness programme and suddenly having no where to go and put that programme into action."

Fairclough is now training with his former club, Notts County, and remains hopeful he will play again.

"Football is my first love and I won't deny myself a chance to play unless I am sure I can't," he said.

"It has been frustrating for all concerned, but particularly myself because I really want to play.

"Notts County have done me a favour and so far training has gone okay.

"But the next step is to play some competitive football which is a few weeks away.

"Once I get to that stage I will actively start looking for a club. It is a bit of a grey area at the moment. I might be out of the woods but I won't know until I play.

"I would hope by the back end of next month if everything continues to go well I will be in shape to play a competitive match."

Updated: 11:45 Saturday, March 03, 2001