VERSATILE midfielder Jamie Clarke will bring “a bit of everything” to York City, says manager Martin Foyle.

The 6ft 2in tall Sunderland-born player joined the Minstermen from Grimsby Town ahead of yesterday’s transfer deadline and has agreed terms at Bootham Crescent until the end of the season.

In a busy day of action, midfielder Andy Ferrell was transferred to Gateshead, with Foyle saying he had gone to the International Stadium for a “token” fee, while teenager Michael Emmerson left by mutual consent.

Clarke, who has previously turned out for Rochdale, Boston and Mansfield, was released by Grimsby having played 15 times for the Coca-Cola League Two strugglers this season.

He made 89 appearances in total, scoring four goals, and Foyle was delighted to have captured him.

“He’s got a bit of everything and the most important thing is versatility,” he said. “He can play across the midfield as well as dropping into the back four.

“He’s a physical presence and I am delighted to have him on board. He knows he is going to have to fight for a place and this is fantastic. We play midweek all the way through and we are going to need everything and everybody.”

Foyle revealed Ferrell had asked to leave Bootham Crescent with a better contract on the table from Gateshead proving the catalyst to his return to Tyneside on an initial one-and-a-half year deal.

The former Newcastle United trainee made 30 appearances for City and scored the winning penalty during Saturday’s FA Trophy third round win over Corby.

But, after a regular stint on the left-wing at the start of the season, Ferrell has been restricted to appearing largely from the bench in the last couple of months.

Foyle added: “Gateshead came in for him and Fez asked me to go. It was a much better contract than he was on at York. Fez is a fantastic lad and I didn’t really want to stand in his way. They paid peanuts. It was a token gesture.”

Emmerson, meanwhile, is set to sign for Norton and Stockton Ancients in the Northern League.

Having come through City’s youth set-up, the 19-year-old has been on loan at Billingham Town and Ossett Albion, but has not been able to force his way into Foyle’s plans.

Foyle said: “He’s got the opportunity to go somewhere else and we have released him from his contract. He’s a fantastic lad with a great attitude, but I need to push on with one or two other youngsters.”