Michael Duckworth and Paddy McLaughlin extend York City stay

Now entering their fourth and eighth seasons at City respectively, the pair will add some much-needed experience to Michael Morton’s side as they embark upon a second consecutive season in the Vanarama National League.

Both were ever-presents for the Minstermen as they narrowly avoided relegation to earn a 19th-placed finish last season, making a combined 43 appearances in defence and midfield.

They become the second and third players to commit their future to City over the past two days, following goalkeeper David Stockdale, who has returned to his former club after a 20-year absence having helped to secure Sheffield Wednesday’s long-awaited return to the Sky Bet Championship.

Duckworth, 31, was one of the Minstermen’s standout players last season, showing his versatility in a number of positions across the back line – and finishing the season alongside Barrow loanee Mark Ellis as a right-sided centre back.

Not only a capable defender, Duckworth also treated fans to two goals, not least his stunning drive from the halfway line at Chesterfield in April that proved vital in confirming City’s safety in the division.

Following his opening day strike at Woking, that was just the defender’s third goal in York colours and was easily voted the Goal of the Season by The Press’ readers.

The versatile defender was delighted to extend his contract with his hometown club, saying: “I feel really settled here and I love the club and city I grew up in.

“We have an unreal fanbase who follow us home and away and hopefully we can have a promising season this year.

“I can’t wait to get back at it already. My wife recently gave birth to a new baby boy, so I’m going to have my hands full for a few weeks.”

McLaughlin, who made his 200th appearance for City in their 1-1 draw with Boreham Wood at the LNER Community Stadium in February, will continue in his dual role as a strength and conditioning coach.

The former Northern Ireland international made a permanent return to York ahead of the 2020-21 season after a successful loan spell from Hartlepool United, and has firmly established himself as a fan favourite.

Like Duckworth, McLaughlin also spectacularly found the back of the net in the Minstermen’s 3-1 win at Chesterfield with a ferocious strike from the edge of the box.

The 32-year-old admitted that he was looking forward to continuing in the dual role, saying: “I’m delighted. There wasn’t really ever any doubt in my mind.

“I wanted to stay around, I want to stay here for as long as I possibly can, and I’m very, very pleased to get it signed and get it all done.

“I’m looking forward to hitting the ground running next season.

 “It’s been enjoyable for me to look at that type of thing for potentially when I finished playing, but I’m still fully focused on being a player.

“Whilst I can do the two and it doesn’t impact on my playing then that’s great.

“I’m looking forward to continuing both roles.”

Both deals will be subject to National League approval.